INEC Breaks Silence on Alleged AI-Generated Photos in Voters’ Register

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has broken its silence on allegations that its preliminary register of voters contains artificial intelligence-generated photographs.

According to the commission, it has begun reviewing suspicious records and will take corrective action where irregularities are confirmed.

The commission also explained that the register published on its website on October 26, is the same preliminary register displayed physically at Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to 15 as part of its Display, Claims and Objections exercise.

INEC made the clarification in a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, through Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee.

Recall that Nigerians raised concerns on social media over photographs and voter records they considered suspicious in the preliminary register released ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Some social media users alleged that certain entries contained AI-generated photographs, while others questioned the appearance of identical images against different voter records. There were also claims of similar identification details appearing alongside different voter registration numbers.

The allegations led to calls for INEC to explain how the disputed records entered the register, who was responsible for capturing the affected voters and whether the individuals involved had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Ward 11 in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State was among the locations mentioned in the online complaints.

A social media user identified as Sule had called on the commission to explain the alleged irregularities, asking: “Dear @inecnigeria can you explain why you have AI Generated images on the INEC Register in polling units in Ward 11, Etsako West LG, Edo State. We want explanation. Who infused AI generated images in the register? who did the capturing? Who collected their pvcs if they have been collected? We want answers!!!!!”

Another user, Micfobiz, also demanded an urgent response from the electoral commission over the alleged suspicious photographs.

“Suspicion over alleged INEC @inecnigeria fake AI pictures on their voters list posted in Etsako, Edo State. Picture of Ghost voters PVC suspected. INEC need to clarify as a matter of urgency,” the user wrote.

The allegations have raised concerns about the accuracy and credibility of the national voters’ register, with some Nigerians questioning whether the commission’s verification procedures are sufficient to prevent multiple registrations, impersonation and other electoral irregularities.

Responding to the concerns, INEC acknowledged that questionable registration records had been identified during the physical display of the preliminary register and flagged for further examination.

The commission, however, stressed that the register published online represents the original preliminary records and does not reflect all the data-cleanup activities currently underway.

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

“The Commission commenced the process of reviewing these records and taking appropriate corrective action in accordance with established procedures.”

INEC explained that the preliminary register is not the final certified register, adding that the display exercise is designed to allow members of the public to scrutinise voter information, report inaccuracies and identify possible irregularities before the final register is approved.

“It is important to emphasize that the preliminary register is not the final certified register,” the commission stated.

According to INEC, the Display, Claims and Objections exercise provides an opportunity for the public to identify errors and questionable entries so that the necessary corrections can be made before certification.

The electoral commission also disclosed that it was examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses that may have contributed to their appearance in the register.

“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,” the statement added.