By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a review of suspected AI-generated photographs appearing in the Preliminary Register of Voters published on its website, assuring Nigerians that verified irregularities will be addressed before the final register is certified on December 15, 2026.
The Commission disclosed this on Tuesday in a clarification issued by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), following public concerns and reports circulating on social media over questionable photographs in the register.
INEC explained that the preliminary register published online on October 26, 2026, was the same document physically displayed at Registration Areas (RAs) nationwide between October 9 and 15 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
According to the Commission, several questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display, prompting the commencement of a review process to determine the appropriate corrective measures.
It clarified, however, that the online publication contained the original preliminary register and did not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities.
The electoral umpire stressed that the preliminary register should not be mistaken for the final certified Register of Voters, explaining that the display exercise was specifically designed to allow citizens and stakeholders to scrutinise the records, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and facilitate necessary corrections before certification.
INEC also disclosed that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses that might have contributed to their appearance in the register.
The Commission said appropriate action would be taken based on verified findings from the ongoing review.
It commended citizens and stakeholders who raised concerns about the photographs, noting that public scrutiny remained an important component of efforts to strengthen the accuracy, credibility and integrity of the voters’ register.
INEC maintained that the identification of questionable records during the preliminary stage underscored the importance of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise in detecting and correcting potential irregularities before the register becomes final.
The Commission further assured Nigerians that the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes would be completed ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
It added that further updates would be provided as the review progressed, reiterating its commitment to ensuring that verified irregularities were addressed in accordance with established procedures.
The clarification comes amid growing public attention to the use of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies, raising questions about the reliability of digital information and the safeguards required to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
INEC’s final register is expected to reflect the outcome of the ongoing verification and correction exercise.
