The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced an investigation into suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs discovered in Nigeria’s preliminary register of voters, following public concerns over irregularities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission announced the development on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, through a statement issued by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee.
The investigation follows the publication of the preliminary register on INEC’s website on October 26, which triggered concerns among Nigerians over suspicious photographs and other possible inconsistencies in some voter records.
INEC clarified that the register uploaded online was the same preliminary document displayed physically at Registration Areas across the country from October 9 to 15 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
According to the commission, questionable registration records had already been identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display exercise.
It explained that the online publication did not reflect all the data-cleaning activities already underway, stressing that the document remained a preliminary register and had not received final certification.
INEC INVESTIGATES SUSPICIOUS PHOTOGRAPHS
The electoral commission said it was examining how the suspected AI-generated photographs found their way into the register, including whether technical or procedural lapses contributed to the problem.
INEC assured Nigerians that it would take appropriate action based on verified findings from the investigation.
The commission also acknowledged concerns raised by citizens and other stakeholders, describing public scrutiny as an important part of efforts to improve the accuracy and credibility of the voters’ register.
It maintained that the process was designed to identify inaccurate information, irregular entries and other discrepancies before the register is finalised.
PRELIMINARY REGISTER NOT YET FINAL
INEC emphasised that the preliminary register should not be mistaken for the final certified list of eligible voters.
The Display, Claims and Objections exercise provides an opportunity for members of the public to examine the records, report errors and request necessary corrections through established procedures.
The commission said the review of flagged records, verification of information and other data-cleaning processes were ongoing.
It further assured Nigerians that confirmed irregularities would be addressed in accordance with the relevant procedures and that additional information would be provided as the investigation progressed.
FINAL REGISTER EXPECTED IN DECEMBER
INEC said it remained committed to completing the verification, adjudication and data-cleaning processes before certifying the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
The development comes as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections, with the accuracy of the voters’ register remaining a crucial issue for electoral credibility.
The commission’s investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs and determine whether any technical failures or procedural breaches occurred.
INEC reiterated that the objective was to ensure that the final register meets the required standards of accuracy and integrity before it is certified for use in the forthcoming elections.
