INEC Investigates Alleged AI-Generated Photos in Preliminary Voters’ Register
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced an investigation into suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs allegedly appearing in the Preliminary Register of Voters recently published on its website.
The Commission disclosed this in a press statement signed by it’s Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Haruna, in response to public concerns and reports circulating on social media over the authenticity of some photographs in the register.
INEC clarified that the register published online on October 26, 2026, was the same preliminary register physically displayed at Registration Areas (RAs) nationwide from October 9 to 15, 2026, as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
According to the Commission, some questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display.
It added that the process of reviewing the records and taking appropriate corrective measures had commenced in line with established procedures.
The electoral body explained that the online publication contained the original preliminary register and did not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities.
INEC further emphasized that the preliminary register was not the final certified Register of Voters, noting that the Display, Claims and Objections exercise was designed to allow members of the public to scrutinize the register, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and facilitate necessary corrections before certification.
The Commission also disclosed that it was examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses that might have contributed to their appearance in the register.
It assured Nigerians that appropriate action would be taken based on verified findings from the investigation.
INEC commended citizens and stakeholders who raised concerns over the alleged irregularities, describing public scrutiny as an important contribution to improving the accuracy and integrity of the voters’ register.
The Commission reaffirmed 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.
