INEC Investigates AI-Generated Images In Voter Register, Sets December Deadline For Final Cleanup

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced an investigation into suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs in Nigeria’s Preliminary Register of Voters, promising to correct verified irregularities before the final register is certified on December 15, 2026.

The commission gave the assurance on Tuesday in a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), following public concerns over questionable images reportedly appearing in the register published online.

INEC explained that the register uploaded to its website on October 26 was the same preliminary document displayed physically at Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to 15 during the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.

According to the commission, questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display, after which the process of reviewing the records and taking corrective measures commenced.

It clarified that the online publication contained the original preliminary register and did not incorporate all ongoing data-cleanup activities.

The commission emphasised that the preliminary register was not the final certified list of eligible voters, noting that the display exercise was specifically designed to enable citizens and stakeholders to identify errors, challenge questionable entries and facilitate corrections before certification.

INEC further disclosed that it was examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses that could have led to their appearance in the register.

It said appropriate action would be taken based on verified findings from the investigation.

The commission commended Nigerians and other stakeholders who raised the alarm, describing their vigilance as important to strengthening the accuracy and credibility of the voter register.

INEC reiterated its commitment to completing the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes before the final Register of Voters is certified on December 15.

It assured the public that confirmed irregularities would be addressed in accordance with established procedures and pledged to provide further updates as the review progresses.