Isiyaku Ahmed
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched an investigation into suspected AI-generated photographs discovered in the preliminary Register of Voters published on its website, alongside a review of questionable registration records and possible technical or procedural lapses.
The commission said it had identified and flagged questionable records during the physical display of the register across Registration Areas nationwide, adding that corrective measures had commenced in line with established procedures.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), the commission clarified that the register uploaded to its website on October 26 was the same preliminary register displayed physically from October 9 to 15 during the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
“During the physical display, a number of questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination. The Commission commenced the process of reviewing these records and taking appropriate corrective action in accordance with established procedures,” the statement said.
INEC explained that the online publication contained the original preliminary register and did not reflect all the data-cleanup activities already underway.
It stressed that the register was not yet final or certified, noting that the display exercise was designed to allow citizens to scrutinise voter records, identify inaccuracies and report irregularities for correction before certification.
“The Display, Claims and Objections exercise is specifically intended to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable appropriate corrections before certification,” the commission said.
On the suspected AI-generated photographs, INEC said it was investigating how the images entered the register and whether technical or procedural lapses contributed to the irregularities.
“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,” it added.
The commission welcomed concerns raised by citizens and other stakeholders, describing public scrutiny as essential to improving the accuracy and integrity of the voters’ register.
INEC assured Nigerians that it would complete the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes before certifying the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
It added that confirmed irregularities would be addressed through established procedures and that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
Tighten the report for newspaper styleLead with the AI-photo investigation
