INEC Begins Probe Into AI Photos, Vows Clean Voters’ Register For Parties December 15

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced investigations into suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs and other discrepancies detected in the preliminary Register of Voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commission said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the irregularities, identify those responsible where wrongdoing was established, and ensure that all affected records were corrected.

The Commissioner for Voter Education and Publicity, Muhammad Kudu Haruna, disclosed this on Sunday in an exclusive chat with LEADERSHIP.

“We have commenced an investigation into the matter to ascertain the cause of the situation, as well as correct the discrepancies that have arisen from it.

“We will also ensure due process and diligence so that every error is corrected and anything associated with the anomalies is remedied,” he said.

Asked whether the investigation had identified any Commission staff suspected of being involved in the irregularities, Haruna said it was too early to make such a determination.

“I can’t say anything concerning whether we suspect an insider because the investigation has just commenced,” he said.

He assured Nigerians that the investigation would be concluded with the production of a clean voters’ register, copies of which would be made available to political parties on December 15, 2026.

“The investigation will be rounded up with a clean voters’ register, copies of which will be made available to each political party on December 15,” Haruna said.

The investigation follows widespread public criticism and demands for explanations after suspicious photographs, suspected to have been generated using artificial intelligence, surfaced in the preliminary voters’ register published online by INEC on October 26.

The issue came into public focus after screenshots purportedly showing questionable photographs attached to voter records in Ward 11, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, circulated on social media.

The controversy attracted criticism from political parties, opposition figures and civil society organisations, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), former Kano State governor and NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). They called for a transparent and independent investigation, accountability for anyone found culpable, and measures to protect the integrity of the voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC had earlier explained that the preliminary register uploaded online on October 26 was the same document physically displayed across Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to 15 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.

The Commission said the preliminary register was not the final certified document, explaining that the exercise was designed to enable eligible voters to scrutinise their records, identify inaccuracies, and submit claims and objections before certification.