The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given President Bola Tinubu a seven-day ultimatum to direct an independent investigation into alleged manipulation of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) preliminary Register of Voters, including the insertion of suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs and alterations to personal data.
SERAP made the demand in a letter dated October 31, 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urging the President to direct the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the alleged irregularities.
The organisation’s demand follows INEC’s acknowledgement of questionable registration records and suspected AI-generated photographs identified during the nationwide display of the preliminary voter register between October 9 and 15, 2026.
INEC had earlier disclosed on October 27 that it was examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs and other irregularities, including possible technical or procedural lapses. The commission also said it had commenced a review and corrective measures ahead of the certification of the final Register of Voters scheduled for December 15, 2026.
SERAP expressed concern that the alleged irregularities could compromise the security and accuracy of Nigerians’ personal information, undermine public confidence in the electoral process and potentially expose eligible voters to wrongful exclusion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation urged the NDPC to establish the nature and extent of the alleged irregularities, determine whether any personal data breach occurred under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, identify those responsible and ensure that affected Nigerians can verify and correct their records.
It also called for an independent forensic examination of INEC’s voter registration database and systems to determine whether personal information was unlawfully accessed, altered or manipulated.
SERAP further urged the data protection commission to establish whether INEC complied with its legal obligations concerning data security, breach notification and record-keeping.
The organisation maintained that an internal review by INEC would not be sufficient to replace an independent investigation by the NDPC, stressing the need for transparency and accountability.
It also called for stronger security measures to protect the voter registration database and accessible procedures that would allow affected citizens to correct their information without being unfairly excluded from the electoral process.
SERAP warned that failure to act on its demands within seven days of receiving or publishing the letter could prompt it to consider legal action and other lawful measures against the relevant authorities.
The organisation stressed that the accuracy and integrity of the voter register remain fundamental to protecting citizens’ privacy and ensuring their constitutional right to participate in the democratic process.
It urged the Federal Government and relevant electoral authorities to address the alleged irregularities before the final register is certified for the 2027 general elections.