INEC Explains AI-Generated Photos In Voters’ Register

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that the preliminary voters’ register uploaded to its portal is the exact copy physically posted across the nation in early October, following widespread public outrage over suspected artificial intelligence-generated images in the system.

According to the commission, the online database published on October 26, 2026, does not yet capture all ongoing clean-up operations aimed at rectifying questionable voter entries identified during the nationwide physical display.

INEC noted that it has launched a full-scale investigation into the origin of the suspicious portraits to determine whether the issue stemmed from technical glitches or procedural compromises, assuring that decisive measures will follow its findings.

This explanation follows heavy scrutiny across social media platforms after alert citizens flagged multiple profile pictures in the preliminary roll that appeared to be artificially created.

Addressing the development in a statement released Tuesday, the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, stated that the uploaded database mirrors the initial draft made available at Registration Areas across Nigeria between October 9 and 15 for public review, complaints, and verification prior to final approval.

The exercise was part of the commission’s Display, Claims and Objections process, which allows voters and other members of the public to scrutinise the register and report inaccuracies or irregularities before the final register is certified.

“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 incorporate all the data-cleanup activities already underway.

The electoral body emphasized that the preliminary publication is not the final accredited register, reiterating that the verification framework was purposely created to root out discrepancies ahead of official certification.

“The Display, Claims and Objections exercise is specifically intended to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable appropriate corrections before certification,” the commission said.

While acknowledging that several problematic entries had been flagged, the commission refrained from revealing the exact count of affected profiles or specific details regarding the AI-crafted images.

Furthermore, the authority did not state whether the fake portraits resulted from coordinated fraud, system flaws, or negligence by field registration operators.

Nevertheless, INEC confirmed that it is scrutinizing its technical infrastructure and administrative protocols to uncover how the images entered the database, promising full accountability once investigation results are established.

It promised to take appropriate action after establishing the facts.

Commending public vigilance, the commission stated that active citizen participation remains essential to maintaining the credibility and accuracy of Nigeria’s electoral framework.

This controversy underscores the critical demand for a foolproof voter database as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, given that an accurate register forms the foundation of transparent nationwide polls.

A reliable voters’ register is central to the electoral process because it determines who is eligible to vote and provides the basis for organising elections across the country.

INEC reaffirmed its dedication to completing all necessary data scrubbing, verification, and legal adjudication before releasing the certified final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.

“The Commission assures Nigerians that verified irregularities will be addressed through the applicable procedures and that further updates will be provided as the review progresses,” Haruna said.

The official communication did not specify if any staff members have been disciplined or if culprits behind the suspicious photo uploads have been identified, maintaining that additional briefings will be issued as investigations advance.

INEC said further updates would be provided as the review progressed.