INEC launches probe into suspected AI‑generated photos in preliminary voter register ahead of December certification

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on 27 October 2026 that it is investigating a series of suspicious photographs that appeared in the preliminary Register of Voters published online on 26 October. The commission, led by Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the images are being examined for possible artificial‑intelligence generation and other technical or procedural lapses. The investigation follows a public outcry on social media after the images were spotted during the Display, Claims and Objections exercise that ran from 9 to 15 October across registration areas nationwide.

INEC clarified that the online version of the register is identical to the physical register displayed during that exercise and does not incorporate any of the data‑cleanup actions currently underway. The commission pledged to flag and correct all verified irregularities before the final Register of Voters is certified on 15 December 2026, a key step before the 2027 general elections.

Background

The Display, Claims and Objections exercise is a statutory process that allows the public to scrutinise the preliminary voters’ register, raise objections, and highlight inaccuracies. During the physical display in October, INEC officials identified a number of registration records that raised concerns. Those records were subsequently flagged for further examination. According to statements from INEC, the online publication released on 26 October represents the original preliminary register, prior to any corrective measures.

The issue of potentially AI‑generated photographs emerged after members of the public reported unusual images on social media platforms. According to a declaration released by Haruna, INEC is currently examining the context of the images, which may involve technical or procedural errors, and intends to act upon confirmed results. The body has consistently emphasized that the initial register remains provisional, with the verification and amendment procedures set to conclude prior to the official certification in December.

Why it matters

The integrity of the voters’ register is central to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, especially ahead of the 2027 elections. Any manipulation or errors in the register could affect voter eligibility, potentially disenfranchising citizens or inflating the electorate. By investigating the suspicious images, INEC aims to safeguard the register from misinformation and technical faults that could undermine public confidence.

Stakeholders, including political parties, civil‑society groups and the electorate, are closely watching the commission’s response. The presence of AI‑generated content raises concerns about the use of emerging technologies to fabricate data, prompting calls for stronger cyber‑security measures. The commission’s commitment to clean the register before the 15 December deadline signals an effort to address these concerns before the final list is published.

What happens next

INEC has indicated that the flagged records will undergo a detailed review in accordance with established procedures. The commission will continue its data‑cleanup activities throughout the remainder of October and November, with the aim of finalising the corrected register by the certification deadline on 15 December 2026. No specific timeline for the completion of the AI‑photo investigation was provided, but the statement affirmed that appropriate corrective action will be taken based on verified findings.

The commission’s next public communication is expected to outline the outcomes of the review and any remedial steps taken. Until then, the online preliminary register will remain unchanged, representing the version before any corrections. Stakeholders are advised to monitor INEC’s official channels for updates on the investigation and the final certification of the voters’ register.