The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is investigating suspected AI-generated photographs found in the preliminary Register of Voters published on its website, with a review of questionable registration records and possible technical or procedural lapses underway
The commission said it had identified and flagged questionable records during the physical display of the register across Registration Areas nationwide, adding that corrective action had commenced in line with established procedures.In a statement on Tuesday, signed 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 as part of 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 did not reflect all the data-cleanup activities already underway.
“The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities,” it said.
The commission stressed that the register was not yet final, noting that the display exercise was specifically designed to allow members of the public to scrutinise the records, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable corrections before certification.
“It is important to emphasize that the preliminary register is not the final certified register. The Display, Claims and Objections exercise is specifically intended to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable appropriate corrections before certification,” the statement added.
On the suspected AI-generated photographs, INEC said it was examining how they appeared in the register and whether there had been any lapses in the process.
“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 said.
The commission welcomed the concerns raised by citizens and other stakeholders, describing their scrutiny as important to improving the quality of the voters’ register.
“The Commission appreciates the vigilance of citizens and stakeholders who have brought these concerns to public attention. Such scrutiny contributes to the process of improving the accuracy and integrity of the register,” the statement said.
INEC said it would complete the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes before the final Register of Voters is certified on December 15, 2026.
It assured Nigerians that confirmed irregularities would be addressed through the appropriate procedures and that further updates would be provided as the review progresses.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, and dated October 27, 2026.
