The Independent National Electoral Commission has acknowledged concerns over suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs in the preliminary register of voters for the 2027 general elections, saying it has begun reviewing questionable records and investigating possible lapses.
The commission said the register uploaded to its website on October 26 was the same preliminary register physically displayed at registration areas nationwide between October 9 and 15.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said some questionable registration records had been identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display.
He explained that the commission had commenced a review of the records and was taking appropriate corrective action in line with established procedures.
“The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities,” the statement said.
INEC’s clarification followed reports of alleged irregularities in the register after its online publication on Monday.
Nigerians had raised concerns over photographs suspected to have been generated using artificial intelligence, alleged duplicate entries and the inclusion of deceased persons in the register.
Screenshots circulated on social media purportedly showed questionable photographs attached to voter records from Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
There were also allegations that some records contained identical personal details, including names, dates of birth and National Identification Numbers, but different photographs, genders and local government areas.
Some Nigerians further claimed to have discovered the names of deceased relatives in the register. The allegations have not been independently verified.
Addressing the concerns, INEC stressed that the preliminary register was not the final certified list of voters, noting that the display, claims and objections exercise was designed to allow public scrutiny and facilitate the correction of errors before certification.
The commission added that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses.
It said appropriate action would be taken based on verified findings.
INEC also appreciated citizens and stakeholders who drew attention to the alleged irregularities, describing public scrutiny as an important part of efforts to improve the accuracy and integrity of the register.
The commission assured Nigerians that it would complete the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final register of voters on December 15, 2026.
It added that further updates would be provided as the review progressed.
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