The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has demanded an independent forensic audit of the voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections, following allegations of artificial intelligence-generated photographs, multiple registrations and questionable voter identities.
The forum warned that failure by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address the alleged anomalies could further erode public confidence in the electoral process.
It also condemned reported attacks on opposition presidential candidates Peter Obi and Omoyele Sowore, calling on security agencies to investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice.
The demands were contained in a statement issued in Kaduna on Monday and signed by four leaders of the forum: its Chairman and Afenifere leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan; President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr Bitrus Pogu; President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Azuta-Mbata; and National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Ambassador Godknows Igali.
The leaders said the alleged irregularities in the preliminary voters’ register had raised troubling questions about INEC’s preparedness for the January 16, 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.
They expressed particular concern over suspected AI-generated images, duplicate entries and records allegedly bearing the identities of unknown individuals.
“Our most urgent concern is the disturbing discovery of suspected Artificial Intelligence-generated photographs, duplicate entries and records reportedly belonging to unknown persons in the preliminary voters’ register published by the Independent National Electoral Commission,” the statement said.
According to the forum, the credibility of the voters’ register is central to the integrity of elections, making it imperative for the commission to address the allegations before the commencement of the electoral process.
It proposed that electoral technology experts, civil society organisations and other qualified stakeholders should participate in an independent forensic examination of the register.
The leaders also urged INEC to demonstrate its capacity to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) effectively, protect electoral infrastructure and ensure that personnel are adequately trained ahead of the polls.
They stressed the need for transparent result collation and prompt publication of results from polling units, recalling controversies surrounding the commission’s handling of electronic transmission of results in previous elections.
“INEC must learn from previous controversies over its use of technology in result transmission and restore public trust,” they said.
The forum's concerns extended to the security situation surrounding political activities, particularly reports of attacks on Obi in Makurdi and Calabar, as well as Sowore in Ekiti State.
It said political participation must not expose candidates and their supporters to violence, intimidation or harassment, regardless of their party affiliations.
“Whatever their political affiliations, no candidate or supporter should face violence for participating in democratic activities,” the statement added.
The SMBLF asked security agencies to investigate the incidents without political interference, establish the circumstances surrounding the attacks and prosecute those found culpable, including their sponsors, where evidence justified such action.
It equally criticised the destruction of campaign billboards, posters and other political materials belonging to political parties and candidates.
Describing the practice as inimical to democratic competition, the leaders warned that attacks on campaign materials could aggravate political hostility and trigger further confrontations.
“Such conduct violates the spirit of political competition and could escalate into avoidable violence,” they stated.
On the role of the judiciary, the forum called for independent and timely handling of electoral disputes, especially cases involving party leadership and the eligibility of candidates.
It cautioned that prolonged litigation and uncertainty over political parties' leadership structures could leave voters without clear choices as election day approaches.
The leaders said electoral institutions and the judiciary must act in ways that strengthen democratic institutions and preserve public confidence in the system.
However, the forum was careful to clarify that its intervention should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party or presidential aspirant.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the SMBLF has not adopted any presidential candidate or political party as the collective choice of the forum,” it stated.
The group reiterated its commitment to a peaceful and credible electoral process, insisting that every eligible Nigerian should be free to vote without intimidation, inducement, coercion or fear.
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