The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched a review of suspected AI-generated photographs found in the Preliminary Register of Voters, assuring Nigerians that verified irregularities will be addressed before the final register is certified on December 15, 2026.
The commission gave the assurance in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, following public outcry over suspicious photographs circulating on social media after the preliminary register was uploaded to its website.
INEC clarified that the register published online on October 26 was the same preliminary register displayed physically at Registration Areas nationwide between October 9 and 15 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
According to the commission, questionable registration records were identified and flagged during the physical display, prompting a review and the commencement of corrective measures in line with established procedures.
It stressed, however, that the online publication contained the original preliminary register and did not reflect all ongoing data-cleaning activities.
INEC explained that the preliminary register was not the final certified document, noting that the display exercise was designed to allow citizens and stakeholders to scrutinise voter records, identify errors and report suspected irregularities before certification.
The commission also disclosed that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses that may have allowed them into the register.
It said appropriate action would be taken based on verified findings, while further updates would be provided as the review progresses.
INEC commended Nigerians and other stakeholders who raised concerns over the photographs, describing public scrutiny as an important part of efforts to improve the accuracy and integrity of the voters’ register.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to completing the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleaning processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee.
