INEC Probes Alleged AI-Generated Photos In Online Voters’ Register

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced an investigation into suspected AI-generated photographs discovered in the preliminary register of voters published on its website, pledging to address verified irregularities before the final register is certified.

The commission, in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said it was examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses.

INEC’s clarification followed public concerns and reports circulating on social media over the alleged use of artificial intelligence-generated photographs in the preliminary voters’ register published online on October 26, 2026.

The commission explained that the online register 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.

It disclosed that some questionable registration records had been identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display, adding that the process of reviewing the records and taking appropriate corrective measures had commenced.

According to the commission, the online publication contains the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities.

INEC stressed that the preliminary register was not the final certified register, explaining that the Display, Claims and Objections exercise was designed to allow members of the public to scrutinise the records, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and facilitate necessary corrections before certification.

The commission said it would take appropriate action based on verified findings from its investigation into the suspicious photographs.

It also commended citizens and stakeholders who brought the concerns to public attention, noting that public scrutiny was essential to improving the accuracy and integrity of the voters’ register.

INEC 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.

It assured Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed in accordance with applicable procedures, adding that further updates would be provided as the review progressed.