The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched an investigation into suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs appearing in Nigeria’s preliminary voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The investigation follows widespread criticism after the commission published the preliminary register online on October 26, 2026.
Screenshots circulating on social media showed questionable voter records, including photographs that appeared unusually similar and images suspected to have been generated using artificial intelligence.
The controversy has raised concerns about the accuracy of Nigeria’s voter database and the measures being taken to prevent irregularities ahead of the elections.
However, INEC has clarified that the register is preliminary and that the suspicious records are undergoing verification.
Why Is INEC Investigating AI Photos?
The controversy emerged after Nigerians began examining the preliminary voter register published on INEC’s website.
Several social media users shared screenshots of registration entries they considered suspicious.
Some of the disputed photographs were reportedly found in records associated with polling units in Ward 11, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The images prompted questions about whether artificial intelligence had been used to generate photographs for registration records.
Other users raised allegations of duplicate voter information and discrepancies involving personal details.
However, these allegations have not established that the affected records represent fictitious voters or deliberate electoral manipulation.
INEC says it is investigating how the suspicious photographs appeared in the register.
What Has INEC Admitted?
In a statement issued on October 27, the commission acknowledged that questionable registration records had been identified and flagged for further examination.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee.
According to the commission, some problematic records were identified during the physical display of the preliminary register from October 9 to 15, 2026.
INEC said it had already begun reviewing the records and taking corrective action.
The commission also confirmed that it was investigating possible technical or procedural lapses connected with the suspicious photographs.
However, it did not confirm that the images were AI-generated or establish who was responsible for the irregularities.
Why Did INEC Publish the Register Online?
INEC explained that the register uploaded on October 26 was the same preliminary document displayed physically across registration areas nationwide earlier in the month.
The online publication followed public demands for broader access to the voter register.
According to the commission, the publication was intended to allow Nigerians to examine voter records and identify possible errors.
INEC also clarified that the uploaded version did not reflect all the data-cleanup activities already underway.
The commission stressed that the preliminary register was not the final certified version.
Resurfaced Video of INEC’s AI Unit Raises Questions
The controversy has also renewed public attention on an earlier video in which INEC’s chairman reportedly announced the establishment of an artificial intelligence unit within the commission’s ICT department.
The video resurfaced on social media amid allegations concerning the suspicious voter photographs.
Some commentators questioned whether the existence of the AI unit was connected to the disputed records.
However, no verified evidence has established a connection between the unit and the suspicious photographs.
The establishment of an AI-related department does not, by itself, demonstrate that artificial intelligence was used to create voter identities.
The commission’s ongoing investigation is expected to clarify the origin of the questionable records.
Allegations Emerge Over Access to Voter Register
Another concern circulating online involves claims that INEC has restricted how frequently users can access the voter register.
Social media users have alleged that limitations were introduced following criticism of the suspicious records.
However, the claims have not been independently verified, and INEC’s October 27 statement did not announce a new viewing limit.
The commission has instead maintained that public scrutiny is an important part of improving the register’s accuracy.
Could the Irregularities Affect the 2027 Elections?
The accuracy of the voter register is essential to the credibility of Nigeria’s elections.
The register contains information used to establish voter eligibility and assign voters to polling units.
Questionable photographs, duplicate entries and incorrect personal information could undermine confidence in the electoral process if they remain unresolved.
However, irregularities in a preliminary register do not automatically prove electoral fraud.
The investigation must establish whether the discrepancies resulted from technical problems, procedural failures or deliberate misconduct.
INEC has assured Nigerians that verified irregularities will be addressed before the final register is certified.
When Will INEC Publish the Final Voter Register?
INEC has scheduled the certification of the final voter register for December 15, 2026.
Before that date, the commission says it will complete verification, adjudication and data-cleanup procedures.
It has also promised further updates as its investigation progresses.
The findings will be important in determining how the disputed photographs entered the voter database and whether additional corrective measures are necessary.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, public attention will remain focused on INEC’s ability to address the irregularities and maintain confidence in the electoral process.
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