The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced an investigation into suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs found in its preliminary register of voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Commission also disclosed that it had flagged several questionable registration records during the physical display of the preliminary register and had begun reviewing them for possible corrections.
INEC Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday night, following public concerns over the alleged AI-generated photographs circulating on social media.
The Commission explained that the register published on its website on October 26, 2026, was the same preliminary register displayed physically at Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to 15, 2026, as part of its Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
According to INEC, the online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities.
It added that the suspicious records had been identified during the physical display, prompting the Commission to commence a review and initiate appropriate corrective measures in line with established procedures.
INEC further stated that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, adding that appropriate action would be taken based on verified findings.
The Commission stressed that the preliminary register was not the final certified list of eligible voters, noting that the Display, Claims and Objections exercise was designed to allow public scrutiny and facilitate the identification and correction of inaccuracies and irregularities.
INEC commended citizens and stakeholders who raised concerns about the alleged irregularities, describing their vigilance as essential to improving the accuracy and integrity of the voter register.
The Commission assured Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed through the appropriate procedures.
It added that the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes would be completed before the certification of the final Register of Voters, scheduled for December 15, 2026.