By Ezra Ukanwa and Ademu Idakwo, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced an investigation into allegations of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs and questionable voter records in its preliminary register, following public outrage and growing demands for transparency ahead of the 2027 general election.
The commission said it was examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, assuring Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed before the final Register of Voters is certified.
LEADERSHIP reports that the controversy has triggered questions about the authenticity of photographs in the online register, alleged duplicate voter records involving the same National Identification Number (NIN), and claims by some registrants that their names are missing despite completing registration.
The allegations were raised by concerned Nigerians, political groups and social media commentators, who have called on the electoral commission to explain its verification procedures and demonstrate the safeguards in place to prevent irregularities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the disputed photographs and reviewing questionable registration records.
The latest response followed the publication of the preliminary register online on October 26, 2026, which prompted social media users to share screenshots of photographs they suspected were generated using AI.
The commission explained that some questionable registration records had already been identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display of the preliminary register at Registration Areas nationwide between October 9 and 15.
It added that the review of the records and the implementation of appropriate corrective measures had commenced.
The controversy has also drawn attention to INEC’s earlier decision to make the preliminary register available online following concerns expressed by Nigerians and other stakeholders about public access to the records.
In a statement dated October 26, 2026, the commission said the physical display was conducted in accordance with Section 19 of the Electoral Act, 2026, to enable registered voters to inspect their particulars and submit claims and objections as provided by law.
The statement, signed by Haruna, said the decision to publish the register online was intended to complement the physical display and improve public access.
“Accordingly, and in furtherance of its commitment to transparency, accessibility and public confidence in the electoral process, the Commission has decided to make available on its online platform display.inecnigeria.org the same Preliminary Register of Voters earlier displayed at the Registration Areas,” the statement said.
However, the online publication has drawn fresh scrutiny, with some Nigerians questioning the authenticity of certain photographs and alleging discrepancies involving voters’ personal information.
One of the major concerns relates to photographs appearing in the register that some Nigerians have alleged were generated using artificial intelligence.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), in a post on X, called on INEC to explain the appearance of alleged AI-generated images in the register for polling units in Ward 11, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The party questioned who introduced the images into the register, who conducted the registration exercise and whether the individuals associated with the records had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Demanding an explanation, the party asked: “Who infused AI generated images in the register?”
The NDC also alleged that the voters’ register had been inflated ahead of the 2027 elections, warning against any attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
“Our Country Voters register is inflated already before election. We will resist any attempt to rig 2027 election,” the party stated.
The allegations have not been independently verified. The appearance of unusual photographs alone does not establish that they were AI-generated or that the associated records belong to fictitious voters. A technical examination of the disputed images and the underlying registration records would be necessary to establish the facts.
Political economist and public affairs commentator, Professor Pat Utomi, has also expressed concern over the allegations, warning that questions surrounding the register could undermine confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Utomi said INEC could not afford to be careless with the credibility of the country’s democracy, arguing that the presence of AI-generated images in a register intended to support elections would raise serious questions about verification, transparency and accountability.
“INEC cannot afford to be careless with the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. The presence of AI-generated images in a register meant to support our democracy raises serious questions about verification, transparency and accountability. Our democracy is at stake here!” he said.
Other social media commentators have also questioned the photographs appearing in the register and called on the commission to explain the procedures used to verify voters’ identities.
Among them are users identified in media reports as Decosule, Emir Sirdam and Morris Monye, who raised concerns about the disputed photographs, alleged duplicate entries and the potential implications for electoral credibility.
Some commentators have alleged that irregularities in the register could facilitate electoral manipulation. However, such claims have not been independently substantiated, and the authenticity of the disputed photographs remains to be established.
The controversy has also prompted appeals to prominent opposition politicians, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, to comment on the allegations. However, no direct response from the four politicians was independently verified in the material reviewed for this report.
The growing criticism has added to calls for INEC to clarify the origin of the photographs, explain its verification procedures and demonstrate how allegations of inaccurate records are investigated.
Beyond the disputed photographs, an X user identified as Eleniyan has recounted an experience during voter registration that raises questions about the handling of personal information and the resolution of duplicate records.
The user alleged that after submitting personal details and undergoing fingerprint capture during registration around May or June 2026, the registration device displayed a duplicate record containing the same surname, first name, middle name, date of birth, state and NIN.
According to the user, the photograph, gender and local government area associated with the other record differed from those of the person registering.
The user said an official involved in the exercise dismissed the match as a coincidence, explaining that two people could share identical names.
However, the registrant questioned how two separate individuals could have the same NIN, which is intended to uniquely identify an individual within Nigeria’s national identity system.
“Even if that was the case, my understanding is that my National Identification Number (NIN) is exclusive to me only, so how come we both had the same NIN,” the user wrote.
The user said the registration officials proceeded with the exercise, issued a printout containing a Voter Identification Number (VIN) and promised that the discrepancy would be rectified.
However, after repeatedly checking the voter verification portal, the individual alleged that the registration did not appear.
The user further claimed that a subsequent search of the preliminary register revealed that the record associated with the disputed identity remained on the register, while the person’s own name was missing.
“I’ve now checked the voter register, and I still cannot find my name on the voter register, meanwhile the duplicate identity which was using my government name, and issued NIN as well as all my other details which I was told would be rectified is on the voter register,” the user wrote.
Appealing to the commission, the registrant said: “Please kindly rectify this immediately. How exactly was my details and exclusive identification number’s used to register a woman I have no idea who she is.”
The user explained that the local government area, ward and polling unit details had been memorised during the registration exercise, making it possible to locate the disputed record online.
The account has not been independently verified. It remains unclear whether the alleged discrepancy resulted from an administrative error, a database reconciliation problem, an identity-related issue or another cause.
Nevertheless, the account has added to public concerns over the reliability of the register and the procedures available to voters seeking corrections to their records.
The Nigeria Election Intelligence System (NEIS) has also called for a comprehensive review of the voters’ register, arguing that the data requires proper auditing, reconciliation and cleaning.
The group questioned whether INEC could address potential irregularities within the available timeframe without diverting attention from other preparations for the elections.
“One issue is clear. The INEC voters’ register needs proper auditing, reconciliation, and cleaning up,” NEIS said.
Questioning the commission’s preparedness, the group asked: “One wonders what INEC has been doing all this while!”
It also raised concerns about the time available to identify and correct any confirmed irregularities before the elections.
“Can this realistically be achieved with just three months to the elections without distracting from the elections themselves?” the group asked.
Recalling the difficulties associated with the 2023 general election, NEIS said: “2023 that INEC seemed better prepared was a nightmare, how much more now. WE WILL STREAM 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS LIKE NETFLIX.”
The group also outlined its objective of providing independently verifiable election data in real time.
“NEIS Goal is to display accurate data Real Time sourced directly from Polling Units side by side with IREV Uploads and the Presiding Officer Name,” it said.
It added: “Genuine claims of collation level or IREV uploads Rigging can only be achieved by providing REAL ALTERNATE FIGURES.”
While the group’s position reflects calls for greater independent scrutiny of electoral information, auditing the voters’ register and independently verifying election results are separate exercises, even though both contribute to electoral transparency.
The timing of the online publication has also attracted criticism, with some Nigerians questioning whether sufficient time remains to identify and correct discrepancies before the elections.
Mazu Kingsley, a concerned Nigerian, accused INEC of making the register available at a time he believes could limit meaningful corrections before the elections.
“INEC knows exactly what they are doing. They released the voter register at a time it would be too late for anything to be done. And what people are discovering now is the key reason they refused to make the register open all the while,” Kingsley said.
He added: “We are fighting against principalities, it won’t be easy, but there is always a way.”
The allegation that INEC deliberately delayed publication to conceal irregularities has not been independently substantiated.
Another commentator on X, Anayo Collins, questioned the photographs appearing in the register, arguing that some displayed characteristics commonly associated with AI-generated images.
“When INEC first announced it would start using AI, most people brushed it off as nonsense. Take a hard look at these images though — the signs of AI generation are hard to miss,” Collins said.
He further accused the commission of taking sides in the controversy, stating: “We should get ready for serious pushback this time. @inecnigeria is the one forcing the issue. They’ve already picked their side, and it’s not with ordinary citizens.”
Collins also argued that the commission was unlikely to respond adequately without public pressure.
His claims about the origin of the images and INEC’s intentions have not been independently verified.
The comments reflect growing public pressure on the commission to explain the origin of the disputed photographs, clarify its verification procedures and demonstrate how allegations of inaccurate records are investigated.
In its October 26 statement, INEC said the online publication of the preliminary register was intended to complement the physical display and improve public access to voters’ information.
The commission also said it was processing claims and objections arising from the exercise in preparation for the certification and publication of the final register.
“The Commission continues to process claims and objections arising from the exercise in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026, preparatory to the certification and publication of the Final Register of Voters on 15th December 2026,” the statement read.
INEC reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, appreciating the continued interest and engagement of Nigerians and other stakeholders.
However, its earlier statement did not specifically address the allegations of AI-generated photographs or the reported duplicate record allegedly involving the same NIN. The commission’s subsequent announcement that it was investigating the disputed photographs marks a further development in its response to the controversy.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP, political analyst Samuel Ede said concerns about the register should be investigated without automatically assuming that every discrepancy amounts to electoral manipulation.
“Questions about duplicate records, missing names or photographs that may not correspond to genuine voters can undermine public confidence, particularly when they emerge in the run-up to a major election,” Ede said.
“At the same time, the discovery of a duplicate record does not automatically establish deliberate electoral manipulation. Similar records may arise from administrative errors, technical problems or failures to reconcile databases, while allegations of AI-generated images require technical verification,” he added.
According to him, the appropriate response requires more than dismissing concerns or relying solely on claims circulating on social media.
“The appropriate response, therefore, goes beyond dismissing concerns or relying on social media claims. It requires transparent investigation, verification of disputed records, correction of confirmed errors and clear communication about the findings,” Ede said.
INEC has said it will take appropriate action based on the verified findings of its investigation and complete the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
The commission also commended citizens and stakeholders who brought the concerns to public attention, describing public scrutiny as essential to improving the accuracy and integrity of the voters’ register. It promised to provide further updates as the review progresses.