The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has commenced investigations into suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs discovered in the Preliminary Register of Voters published on its website, assuring Nigerians that verified irregularities will be addressed before the final register is certified.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Commission said it was aware of public concerns and reports circulating on social media over questionable photographs appearing in the preliminary register.
INEC explained that 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 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
According to the Commission, some questionable registration records had already been identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display exercise.
It said the process of reviewing the affected records and taking appropriate corrective action had commenced in line with established procedures.
The electoral body, however, clarified that the online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities.
This means the version currently available online may not incorporate every correction or verification exercise being undertaken by the Commission.
INEC also stressed that the preliminary register should not be mistaken for the final certified Register of Voters.
The Display, Claims and Objections exercise is designed to allow citizens and other stakeholders to scrutinise voter registration records, identify inaccuracies, report irregularities and support the correction of errors before the register is certified.
The Commission said the exercise remains an important part of ensuring that the voter register is accurate and reliable.
The controversy surrounding the suspected AI-generated photographs has raised questions about the verification of voter registration data and the safeguards in place to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Artificial intelligence technology can generate realistic-looking human images, making it increasingly important for institutions to maintain effective verification procedures when processing photographs and other identity-related information.
However, the appearance of a suspicious photograph alone does not establish how it entered the register or whether it was deliberately submitted to manipulate the electoral process.
INEC said it was examining the circumstances surrounding the questionable photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses.
The Commission added that appropriate action would be taken based on verified findings from the investigation.
The outcome of the review could help establish how the affected records were processed and whether existing safeguards require improvement.
INEC also commended citizens and stakeholders who brought the concerns to public attention, noting that public scrutiny contributes to improving the accuracy and integrity of the voter register.
The Commission’s response comes as Nigeria continues preparations for future elections, with the credibility of voter registration remaining a critical component of the electoral process.
An accurate register helps electoral authorities determine who is eligible to vote, supports effective election planning and strengthens public confidence in the administration of elections.
At the same time, concerns over questionable records underline the importance of transparency, prompt investigations and clear communication with the public whenever potential irregularities are identified.
INEC has assured Nigerians that its verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes will continue ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
The Commission said verified irregularities would be addressed through the applicable procedures and that further updates would be provided as the review progresses.
The latest clarification was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, on October 27, 2026.
As the investigation continues, attention will focus on the Commission’s findings, the corrections made to affected records and the measures introduced to prevent similar concerns from arising in the future.
For now, INEC maintains that the online register is preliminary and that the process of verification and correction remains ongoing before final certification.
