SERAP asks Tinubu to order probe into suspected AI photos in INEC voter register
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to investigate suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs and questionable records in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) preliminary Register of Voters.
SERAP also wants the commission to establish whether Nigerians’ personal data were unlawfully accessed or altered and whether the alleged irregularities violated the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
In a letter dated October 31, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation asked Tinubu to direct NDPC Chief Executive Officer Vincent Olatunji to conduct an independent investigation into the incidents.
The demand follows INEC’s acknowledgement of suspected AI-generated photographs and questionable registration records identified during the nationwide display of the preliminary register between October 9 and 15.
SERAP called for an independent forensic examination of INEC’s database and systems to determine the nature and extent of the irregularities, identify those responsible and establish whether authorised registration officers misused their access credentials.
It also urged the NDPC to determine the number and geographical distribution of affected records, when and how they were created or altered, and whether INEC complied with its statutory data-protection obligations.
The organisation said an internal review by INEC could not replace the NDPC’s independent investigation, given the potential implications for personal data security and eligible voters’ participation in the electoral process.
It further asked the commission to establish whether the incidents constituted a personal data breach under Section 65 of the Act and whether INEC fulfilled its notification obligations under Section 40, which requires reporting certain breaches to the NDPC within 72 hours of becoming aware of them.
According to SERAP, Sections 24 and 39 of the Act require personal data to be processed accurately and securely, with safeguards against unlawful alteration and unauthorised access.
The organisation urged the NDPC to publish its findings and recommendations, introduce stronger safeguards and ensure affected Nigerians could verify and correct their records without being wrongfully excluded.
INEC, in a statement issued on October 27, acknowledged public concerns over suspected AI-generated photographs appearing in the preliminary register.
The commission said questionable registration records had been identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display exercise. It added that it had commenced a review and was taking corrective action.
INEC maintained that the online register did not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities and that it was examining possible technical or procedural lapses surrounding the suspicious photographs.
The commission said the preliminary register was not the final certified version and that verification and adjudication processes would be completed before the final register is certified on December 15, 2026.
SERAP also cited Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy, alongside provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
It gave Tinubu seven days from receipt or publication of its letter to ensure the requested measures were taken, warning that it would consider legal action if the government and relevant authorities failed to respond.
The organisation said an independent investigation was necessary before the final register was certified to safeguard the accuracy of the electoral database and public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.