The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched a probe into suspected AI-generated photographs discovered in the preliminary Register of Voters published on its official website.
The irregularities were initially identified and flagged during the physical display of the register across Registration Areas nationwide between October 9 and October 15. Following these discoveries, the commission immediately commenced corrective actions in line with established electoral procedures.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, clarified the origin of the contested data. He explained that the register uploaded on October 26 was the exact preliminary document used during the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
“During the physical display, a number of questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination…Commission commenced the process of reviewing these records and taking appropriate corrective action in accordance with established procedures”, Haruna.
INEC emphasized that the current online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not account for the data-cleanup activities already in progress. According to the commission, the public display exercise was intentionally rolled out to allow citizens to scrutinise the list and demand corrections.
The electoral body confirmed that it is tracking how the suspected AI-generated photographs infiltrated the system.
“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 INEC.
The commission commended citizens and stakeholders for their vigilance in bringing the anomalies to public attention. INEC stated that this level of public scrutiny improves both the accuracy and the integrity of the electoral process.
INEC assured Nigerians that all confirmed irregularities will be addressed through the appropriate administrative channels. The commission expects to complete all necessary verification, adjudication, and data-cleanup processes before the final Register of Voters is certified on December 15, 2026.
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