By Our Reporter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced an investigation into suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs discovered in the Preliminary Register of Voters published on its website.
The commission said it was examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, and would take appropriate action based on verified findings.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, clarified that the register published online on October 26 was the same preliminary register displayed physically at Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to 15.
He explained that questionable registration records had been identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display, adding that the commission had begun reviewing the records and taking corrective measures in line with established procedures.
According to the statement, the online publication contains the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities.
INEC stressed that the preliminary register was not the final certified register, noting that the Display, Claims and Objections exercise was designed to enable citizens to scrutinise the records, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and facilitate corrections before certification.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to completing the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
It also appreciated citizens and stakeholders who raised concerns over the suspicious photographs, assuring Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed through established procedures and that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
