INEC probes suspected AI-generated photos in voters’ register

THE Independent National Electoral Commission has said it is investigating suspected AI-generated photographs found in the preliminary Register of Voters published on its website, with a review of questionable records and possible technical or procedural lapses underway.

In a statement on Tuesday signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission clarified that the register uploaded on 26 October was the same preliminary register displayed physically from 9 to 15 October as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.

“During the physical display, a number of questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination.

The Commission commenced the process of reviewing these records and taking appropriate corrective action in accordance with established procedures,” the statement said.
INEC explained that the online publication represented the original preliminary register and did not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities.

“It is important to emphasize that the preliminary register is not the final certified register. The Display, Claims and Objections exercise is specifically intended to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable appropriate corrections before certification,” it added.

On the suspected photographs, the commission said it was examining how they appeared and whether there had been any lapses.

“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 said.

It welcomed public scrutiny and said it would complete verification and data-cleanup before certifying the final register on 15 December 2026.