The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched an investigation into suspicious photographs and questionable registration records discovered in the preliminary register of voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The investigation follows public concerns over alleged artificial intelligence-generated images and duplicate profiles in the voter register recently uploaded to the Commission’s website.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, said the Commission had taken note of the allegations and was examining the affected records.
He explained that some questionable entries had been identified during the physical display of the preliminary register across the country, prompting the Commission to initiate a review.
“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,” Haruna said.
INEC clarified that the register published online on October 26, 2026, was the same preliminary document displayed at Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to 15 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
The Commission said the version available online did not incorporate all the corrections and data-cleanup measures currently being undertaken.
“The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities,” it stated.
Addressing concerns over the suspected AI-generated photographs, INEC said it was investigating how the images entered the register and whether technical or procedural shortcomings were responsible.
“The Commission is also examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, and will take appropriate action based on verified findings,” the statement said.
The electoral body, however, emphasised that the preliminary register should not be mistaken for the final certified list of voters.
It said the Display, Claims and Objections exercise was established to enable members of the public to scrutinise the register, report inaccuracies and identify possible irregularities before the final document is approved.
INEC also praised citizens and stakeholders who raised concerns over the integrity of the register, saying their vigilance would help strengthen the accuracy of the electoral database.
The Commission assured Nigerians that any irregularities confirmed during the investigation would be addressed in accordance with established procedures.
“The Commission assures Nigerians that verified irregularities will be addressed through the applicable procedures,” it said.
INEC added that the ongoing verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes would be concluded ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
The development comes as attention increasingly turns to the credibility of the voter register, a critical component of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
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