INEC probes suspected AI-generated voter photographs
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched an investigation into suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs and other irregularities discovered in the preliminary register of voters ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission had identified several questionable registration records during the nationwide display of the preliminary register.
Haruna said the commission was responding to public concerns and reports circulating on social media about suspicious photographs appearing in the register published on its website.
He explained that the online register, published on 26 October 2026, was the same document displayed physically at registration areas nationwide between 9 and 15 October during the statutory claims and objections exercise.
According to him, some questionable entries were identified during the physical display and flagged for further examination.
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HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. AHMADU UMARU FINTIRI
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“During the physical display, a number of questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination,” he said.
“The Commission commenced the process of reviewing these records and taking appropriate corrective action in accordance with established procedures.”
Haruna clarified that the online publication represented the original preliminary register and did not reflect corrections already being undertaken by the commission.
He stressed that the preliminary register was not the final certified document, explaining that the public display was designed to allow citizens to identify inaccuracies, challenge suspicious entries and request necessary corrections.
On the suspected AI-generated photographs, Haruna said INEC was investigating how the images appeared in the database, including possible technical failures or procedural lapses.
“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,” he said.
The commission commended Nigerians who raised concerns about the register, describing public scrutiny as essential to strengthening the credibility of the electoral process.
It assured voters that verified irregularities would be addressed through established procedures before the register received final certification.
INEC said verification, adjudication and data-cleanup exercises would be completed ahead of the scheduled certification of the final register on 15 December 2026.
The commission, however, did not disclose the number of questionable records identified or confirm whether the suspicious photographs were generated using artificial intelligence.