The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun investigating suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs discovered in the preliminary register of voters, assuring Nigerians that verified irregularities would be corrected before the final register is certified on December 15, 2026.
The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, following public concerns over suspicious photographs appearing in the register published on its website.
INEC explained that the online register, released on October 26, was the same preliminary register physically displayed at Registration Areas nationwide between October 9 and 15 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
According to the commission, the exercise was designed to enable members of the public to scrutinise the register, identify inaccuracies and report irregularities for necessary corrections before its final certification.
It, however, clarified that the online publication did not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities, noting that the preliminary register was not the final certified version.
“The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities,” the statement read.
The commission said it had identified and flagged questionable registration records during the physical display exercise, adding that such records were being reviewed in accordance with established procedures.
It also disclosed that investigations were ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses that might have allowed them to appear in the register.
“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.
INEC welcomed concerns raised by citizens and other stakeholders, describing public scrutiny as an important component of efforts to strengthen the accuracy and integrity of the voters’ register.
The commission assured Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed through the appropriate procedures, adding that further updates would be provided as the review progressed.
It reiterated its commitment 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.
The development follows public outcry over the online publication of the preliminary register, with Nigerians questioning the authenticity of photographs appearing alongside voters’ registration data.
