The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched an investigation into suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs appearing in Nigeria’s preliminary Register of Voters, following public concerns about questionable records ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission published the preliminary register on its website on October 26, after the document had been displayed physically at Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to 15 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise. INEC said it had identified questionable records during the physical display and begun reviewing them for possible correction.
The concerns gained attention after social media users circulated screenshots of voter records containing photographs they suspected were AI-generated. The reports raised questions about the verification process and how the images entered the electoral database. INEC has not yet established publicly whether the photographs were generated by AI or how they came to appear in the register.
In a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission said the online register represented the original preliminary document and did not reflect all data-cleaning activities already underway. It stressed that the register was not the final certified version and that further verification and corrective action would be carried out based on confirmed findings.
INEC said the Display, Claims and Objections exercise was designed to allow registered voters and other stakeholders to scrutinise records, identify inaccuracies and report irregularities before final certification. The commission has promised to complete the verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
Separately, users have reported difficulties accessing the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) pickup option on INEC’s voter portal, saying the page displays a “redirected you too many times” error. Checks by TheDailyNewsHub also encountered the reported problem. The error prevented the affected page from loading during those checks, although the precise cause has not been established.
The portal issue adds to concerns about access to voter services as preparations continue for the 2027 elections. INEC has not been cited as confirming that the reported PVC pickup error is connected to the suspected photographs or the review of the preliminary register.
The commission’s investigation will be important in establishing whether the questionable images resulted from technical failures, procedural lapses or other causes. Until the review is completed, the photographs should be treated as suspected irregularities rather than proof that the affected voter records are fraudulent.
INEC has urged Nigerians to participate in the scrutiny process and report questionable entries through the appropriate channels. The credibility of the final register will depend on the commission’s ability to verify records, correct confirmed errors and explain the outcome of its investigation before certification.