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INEC Reacts to Alleged AI-Generated Photos in Voters’ Register, Begins Investigation Ahead of December Certification
INEC Reacts to Alleged AI-Generated Photos in Voters’ Register, Begins Investigation Ahead of December Certification
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has responded to growing public concerns over suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs discovered in the Preliminary Register of Voters recently published on its website, assuring Nigerians that questionable records are being reviewed and necessary corrective measures will be taken.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Commission clarified that the online register published on October 26 was the same preliminary register physically displayed at Registration Areas (RAs) across the country between October 9 and 15, 2026, as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
The clarification follows reports circulating on social media about suspicious photographs appearing in the register, raising concerns about the accuracy, credibility and integrity of the voter registration process.
INEC explained that several questionable registration records had already been identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display exercise. According to the Commission, the process of reviewing the affected records and implementing appropriate corrections had commenced in line with established procedures.
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The electoral body further explained that the version published online represents the original preliminary register and does not incorporate all the data-cleanup activities currently underway.
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Addressing concerns over the implications of the alleged irregularities, the Commission stressed that the preliminary register should not be mistaken for the final certified Register of Voters.
INEC noted that the Display, Claims and Objections exercise is specifically designed to allow citizens and stakeholders to scrutinise voter records, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and facilitate the necessary corrections before the register is formally certified.
The Commission maintained that the exercise provides an important opportunity to detect questionable entries and improve the overall quality of the voters’ database before the completion of the registration process.
It also disclosed that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including the possibility of technical or procedural lapses that may have contributed to their appearance in the register.
INEC assured that appropriate action would be taken based on verified findings from the ongoing examination.
The electoral commission acknowledged the concerns raised by Nigerians and commended citizens and stakeholders who drew public attention to the suspected irregularities.
According to INEC, public scrutiny plays a significant role in strengthening the accuracy and integrity of the Register of Voters, particularly during the preliminary stage when errors and questionable entries can still be identified and corrected.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes are completed before the final register is certified.
INEC disclosed that the final certification of the Register of Voters remains scheduled for December 15, 2026, giving the Commission time to conclude its ongoing review and address verified irregularities through the applicable procedures.
It further assured Nigerians that updates would be provided as the review progresses, underscoring the importance of resolving the concerns before the final register is certified.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), on October 27, 2026.
As concerns over the alleged AI-generated photographs continue to attract public attention, the Commission’s ongoing review is expected to establish the circumstances behind the suspicious entries and determine the appropriate corrective measures.
INEC’s clarification places the focus on the distinction between the preliminary register currently under scrutiny and the final certified register, which is expected to reflect the outcome of the verification and data-cleanup exercise.
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