The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a review of suspicious registration records in its Preliminary Register of Voters following public concerns over suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs appearing in the register published on its website.
INEC said that the online register, published on Monday, October 26, 2026, was the same preliminary register physically displayed at Registration Areas (RAs) nationwide from October 9 to 15 as part of the Display, Claims, and Objections exercise.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, noted that questionable registration records had been identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display exercise.
The Commission affirmed that the review process is ongoing, with appropriate corrective measures being taken in line with established procedures.
INEC explained that the online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not incorporate all the data-cleanup activities currently underway.
It emphasised that the preliminary register is not the final certified Register of Voters, noting that the Display, Claims, and Objections exercise is designed to enable public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and facilitate necessary corrections before certification.
The electoral body added that it was also investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, and would take appropriate action based on verified findings.
INEC commended citizens and stakeholders who raised concerns about the photographs, describing public scrutiny as an important part of efforts to improve the accuracy and integrity of the voters’ register.
The Commission assured Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed through the applicable procedures and that further updates would be provided as the review progresses.
INEC reiterated its commitment 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.
