The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged concerns over suspicious photographs suspected to have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s Preliminary Register of Voters, announcing an investigation into how the images appeared in the records.

 

The commission said it was reviewing questionable voter registration records and examining possible technical or procedural lapses ahead of the certification of the final register scheduled for December 15, 2026.

 

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, INEC said it had taken note of reports and public concerns circulating on social media over suspicious photographs discovered in the preliminary register recently published on its website.

 

The development has raised fresh questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s voter registration process as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections.

 

INEC Explains Publication of Preliminary Voter Register

INEC explained that the register uploaded to its website on October 26 was the same preliminary register physically displayed at Registration Areas (RAs) across the country between October 9 and 15, 2026.

 

The display formed part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise, which allows registered voters and other members of the public to examine voter records, identify errors and report suspected irregularities for correction.

 

According to the commission, the online version contains the original preliminary register and does not reflect all the data-cleanup activities currently being carried out.

 

“The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities,” the statement said.

 

The explanation suggests that the records currently available online may still contain entries flagged for further examination during the review process.

 

Questionable Registration Records Flagged for Review

The electoral body disclosed that several questionable registration records had already been identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display exercise.

 

It said a review of the affected records had commenced, with steps being taken to address identified issues in accordance with established procedures.

 

INEC also confirmed that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including whether technical or procedural failures contributed to their appearance in the preliminary register.

 

The commission said any further action would be based on verified findings from the ongoing investigation.

 

“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,” it stated.

 

However, the statement did not establish who was responsible for the questionable images or confirm that the photographs were conclusively generated using artificial intelligence.

 

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The investigation is expected to determine how the images entered the records and whether any failures occurred during the registration, verification or data-processing stages.

 

INEC Says Preliminary Register Is Not Final

The commission stressed that the preliminary register should not be confused with the final certified Register of Voters.

 

It explained that the Display, Claims and Objections exercise was specifically designed to give the public an opportunity to scrutinise voter information and report inaccuracies before the register is finalised.

 

The process allows the electoral body to review complaints, verify disputed records and make necessary corrections before certification.

 

INEC’s clarification comes amid growing public attention to the photographs circulating online, with concerns that questionable images could undermine confidence in the accuracy of the voter register if left unaddressed.

 

The commission maintained that the ongoing review and data-cleanup exercises were part of the process of ensuring that the final register meets the required standards.

 

Commission Appreciates Public Scrutiny

INEC expressed appreciation to citizens and stakeholders who brought the suspicious photographs to public attention, describing public scrutiny as an important part of improving the accuracy and integrity of the register.

 

It urged confidence in the review process, assuring Nigerians that verified irregularities would be handled through the appropriate procedures.

 

The commission also promised to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.

 

The issue has placed renewed focus on the role of technology in election administration and the safeguards required to ensure that voter registration records remain accurate and reliable.

 

While the use of artificial intelligence in creating images is not, by itself, proof of electoral fraud, the appearance of questionable photographs in an official voter register raises legitimate concerns that require transparent investigation.

 

Final Register Expected December 15

INEC said it remained committed to completing the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes before the final Register of Voters is certified on December 15, 2026.

 

The commission assured Nigerians that all irregularities established through the review would be addressed in line with applicable procedures.

 

The outcome of the investigation could be significant in determining how the suspicious photographs entered the preliminary register and what measures may be required to prevent similar problems in the future.

 

For now, INEC’s position is that the online register remains preliminary and that the review process is ongoing. The commission’s findings will be crucial to addressing public concerns and strengthening confidence in the voter registration process ahead of the 2027 elections.