The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched an investigation into suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs discovered in the preliminary register of voters published on its website, assuring Nigerians that identified irregularities will be addressed before the final register is certified.
The commission said it was examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses that may have allowed them into the register.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC).
INEC explained that the online register published on October 26 was the same preliminary register displayed physically at Registration Areas nationwide between October 9 and 15 for the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
According to the commission, questionable registration records had already been identified during the physical display, prompting a review and the commencement of corrective measures.
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“The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities,” the statement said.
INEC stressed that the register currently available to the public should not be mistaken for the final certified voters’ register, explaining that the display exercise was designed to enable citizens and stakeholders to identify errors and irregularities before certification.
“It is important to emphasize that the preliminary register is not the final certified register.
“The Display, Claims and Objections exercise is specifically intended to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable appropriate corrections before certification,” the commission stated.
The controversy emerged following reports and concerns circulating on social media about suspected AI-generated images appearing alongside voter records in the preliminary register.
INEC said it was investigating how the photographs entered the register and would determine the appropriate response based on verified findings.
“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,” the statement added.
The electoral body welcomed citizens’ intervention, saying public scrutiny was important to improving the accuracy and integrity of the voters’ register.
“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,” it said.
INEC said it remained committed to completing the verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
It assured Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed through established procedures and that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.