Nigeria’s electoral authority has launched an investigation into reports that artificial intelligence-generated photographs appeared in its preliminary voter register, following widespread concern on social media.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed on Tuesday that it is examining the circumstances behind the suspicious images to determine whether technical or procedural lapses occurred during the enrollment process.The controversy erupted after INEC published the draft database on its website on 26 October. Sharp-eyed citizens quickly flagged several entries featuring photographs that appeared artificially generated or manipulated.
In a press statement signed by Mohammed Haruna, chairman of the commission’s Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC clarified that the online database is identical to the preliminary register physically displayed across nationwide registration centers earlier this month.
According to the commission, several questionable entries had already been flagged during the initial physical display between 9 and 15 October. However, because the online version reflects the original preliminary roll, ongoing data-cleanup efforts were not yet visible on the digital platform. INEC stressed that the published database is a draft meant specifically to invite public scrutiny and identify irregularities before a final list is approved.”The preliminary register is not the final certified register,” the commission said, adding that public vigilance is a crucial part of ensuring the database’s integrity. “The Display, Claims and Objections exercise is specifically intended to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable appropriate corrections before certification.”
The electoral body assured the public that all verified irregularities will be removed through standard adjudication procedures.
The final, cleaned-up Register of Voters is scheduled for official certification on 15 December 2026.
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