The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun investigating suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs discovered in the preliminary register of voters published on its website.
The commission said it was examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, and would take appropriate action based on verified findings.
INEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, following public concerns over the alleged irregularities circulating on social media.
The commission clarified that the preliminary register published online on October 26, 2026, was the same document physically displayed at Registration Areas nationwide between October 9 and 15 as part of its Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
According to INEC, questionable registration records had been identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display exercise.
“During the physical display, a number of questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination,” the statement said.
The commission added that it had commenced the process of reviewing the records and taking corrective measures in line with established procedures.
INEC explained that the online publication contained the original preliminary register and did not incorporate all ongoing data-cleanup activities.
It stressed that the register was not the final certified document, noting that the display exercise was designed to enable citizens and stakeholders to scrutinise voter records, identify inaccuracies and report irregularities before certification.
“It is important to emphasize that the preliminary register is not the final certified register,” the commission stated.
The electoral body said the process was intended to facilitate public scrutiny and ensure that errors and irregularities were addressed before the final register was certified.
INEC also acknowledged the concerns raised by Nigerians and stakeholders, describing public vigilance as an important part of efforts to safeguard the integrity of the voter registration process.
“The Commission appreciates the vigilance of citizens and stakeholders who have brought these concerns to public attention. Such scrutiny contributes to the process of improving the accuracy and integrity of the register,” the statement added.
The commission assured Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed through the appropriate procedures and that further updates would be provided as the investigation progressed.
INEC said it remained committed to completing the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.