The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced an investigation into suspected AI-generated photographs appearing in the preliminary register of voters published on its website, assuring Nigerians that verified irregularities will be addressed before the final register is certified.
The commission said the online register published on October 26, 2026, was the same preliminary register physically displayed at Registration Areas (RAs) nationwide from October 9 to 15, 2026 as part of the display, claims and objections exercise.
INEC, however, clarified that the online publication did not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities, explaining that questionable registration records had been identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission had begun reviewing the affected records and taking appropriate corrective action in line with established procedures.
“The Commission is also examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, and will take appropriate action based on verified findings,” Haruna said.
The commission emphasised that the Preliminary Register of Voters was not the final certified register, noting that the display exercise was designed to enable members of the public to scrutinise the records and identify inaccuracies or irregularities.
According to INEC, the exercise provides an opportunity for claims and objections to be considered and necessary corrections made before the register is certified.
“The Display, Claims and Objections exercise is specifically intended to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable appropriate corrections before certification,” the statement said.
The clarification followed public concerns and reports circulating on social media over photographs suspected to have been generated using artificial intelligence and included in the preliminary register.
INEC acknowledged the concerns, commending citizens and stakeholders who drew attention to the suspected irregularities.
“The Commission appreciates the vigilance of citizens and stakeholders who have brought these concerns to public attention. Such scrutiny contributes to the process of improving the accuracy and integrity of the register,” Haruna said.
INEC assured Nigerians that it remained committed to completing the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
It said verified irregularities would be addressed through the applicable procedures and promised to provide further updates as the review progressed.
