The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified 268 records in its preliminary Register of Voters for suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs and other irregularities as it begins efforts to clean up the database ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Lawrence Bayode, disclosed this during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. He said the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) had flagged the records for further investigation.
Bayode explained that the commission was reviewing all 268 entries identified by the system, adding that some individuals allegedly exploited a special registration arrangement created for persons with disabilities who have incomplete or missing fingers to produce questionable voter profiles.
He said the commission had begun removing records confirmed to contain irregularities from the preliminary register.
However, the ICT director clarified that the use of artificial intelligence to improve the quality of genuine photographs would not automatically disqualify affected voters. He distinguished between original photographs enhanced with AI-powered applications and images generated entirely by artificial intelligence, saying only the latter would be removed.
The development followed INEC’s publication of its preliminary Register of Voters on its website on October 26. The release sparked public criticism after screenshots circulated on social media showing suspicious photographs attached to voter records, particularly in parts of Edo State.
Other concerns raised included alleged duplicate registrations, the appearance of deceased persons’ names in the register and complaints from some registered voters who said their details were missing from the online database.
The controversy attracted reactions from political figures, civil society organisations and members of the public, with several calling on the electoral commission to explain the apparent discrepancies and protect the credibility of the registration process.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, called for a comprehensive, transparent and independent investigation into the alleged irregularities.
In a statement posted on his X account, Kwankwaso said Nigerians needed more than assurances from INEC, insisting that the investigation should be conducted independently, with its findings made public and anyone found responsible held accountable under the law.
He also urged the commission to verify questionable entries and investigate possible duplicate or artificial identities to prevent eligible voters from being denied their voting rights.
Political economist Pat Utomi also expressed concern, arguing that the discovery of suspected AI-generated photographs raised questions about the commission’s verification procedures and accountability measures.
Utomi said the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process depended on INEC maintaining proper standards of verification and transparency, warning that the issue could affect public confidence in democratic institutions.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Moses Paul, demanded an explanation from the commission, questioning how suspected AI-generated images were included in a register intended to safeguard the electoral process.
Paul also called for accountability, maintaining that Nigerians should not be left without clear answers over an issue that could undermine confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.
The Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Clement Nwankwo, also questioned the reliability of the voter register, warning that the alleged discrepancies could have implications for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on ARISE News, Nwankwo raised concerns about the increase in the number of registered voters from more than 90 million to 103 million, questioning the accuracy of the figures and the procedures used to verify the entries.
He said the emergence of AI-generated information and photographs in the register had created additional challenges for the electoral commission.
Nwankwo further called on INEC to improve communication with political parties and provide clearer information about its preparations for the elections. He also warned that weaknesses in voter registration and polling unit transfer procedures could result in eligible Nigerians being disenfranchised.
INEC had earlier defended the publication of the preliminary register, explaining that the online version released on October 26 was the same document displayed physically at Registration Areas across the country between October 9 and 15.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission said the online publication did not capture all the data-cleaning activities already in progress.
It explained that the preliminary register was not the final certified version and that the Display, Claims and Objections exercise was intended to allow members of the public to identify errors, report questionable entries and request corrections before the register was certified.
The commission also said it was investigating how the suspicious photographs entered the database, including the possibility of technical or procedural failures, and would take appropriate action based on verified findings.
INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, has also confirmed that the commission is examining the affected records and would make necessary corrections following the investigation.
The commission is expected to complete its verification, adjudication and data-cleaning exercises before certifying the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.