INEC Investigates Alleged AI-Generated Photos in Preliminary Voters’ Register

ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched an investigation into the appearance of suspected Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated photographs in the recently uploaded Preliminary Register of Voters.

The controversy erupted following intense public scrutiny and viral social media reports where citizens flagged questionable biometric images and duplicate voter profiles on the commission’s portal.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, clarified that the online database published on October 26 represents the raw, uncleaned data from the nationwide physical display exercise conducted between October 9 and 15, 2026.

According to the commission, the primary purpose of publishing the preliminary register is to allow citizens to identify irregularities before the final list is certified.

“The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities,” Haruna stated. “During the physical display, a number of questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination. The Commission commenced the process of reviewing these records and taking appropriate corrective action.”

The electoral body also confirmed it is looking into possible technological flaws or human errors that led to the compromised uploads. “The Commission is also examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, and will take appropriate action based on verified findings,” the statement added.

Commending the public for its vigilance, INEC assured stakeholders that all verified anomalies will be resolved through standard statutory mechanisms.

The commission reiterated its commitment to finishing all data-cleanup, verification, and adjudication procedures before the official certification of the final Register of Voters scheduled for December 15, 2026.