The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun an investigation into suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs found in the preliminary Register of Voters, following public concerns over the authenticity of some voter images ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
The commission said the register published on its website on October 26 is the same preliminary register that was displayed in Registration Areas across the country from October 9 to 15 to allow Nigerians verify their details and identify irregularities.
According to INEC, some questionable records identified during the public display have already been flagged for detailed examination.
«“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 said.»
INEC stressed that the register currently being scrutinised is only a preliminary version and has not been certified for use in any election.
The electoral body explained that the ongoing verification and correction exercise is designed to detect and remove errors before the final Register of Voters is certified on December 15, 2026.
The commission said the investigation would determine whether the suspicious images resulted from technical problems, procedural failures or any other irregularities during voter registration or data compilation.
It added that any necessary corrective measures would be implemented to ensure the final register is accurate, credible and reliable.
The development comes as political parties, civil society organisations and voters pay closer attention to the integrity of Nigeria’s voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A credible voters’ register is regarded as one of the key foundations of transparent and credible elections, making the outcome of INEC’s investigation important to public confidence in the electoral process.
The commission assured Nigerians that appropriate action would be taken once its investigation is completed and the facts have been verified.
