By Samuel Olusegun Precious
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that the suspected AI-generated photographs circulating online are contained in the preliminary register of voters, not the final certified register.
The Commission clarified in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Haruna. This followed public outcry over the AI images on the voters list.
INEC, in the statement, said it had noted public concerns on social media over suspected AI-generated photos appearing in the Preliminary Register of Voters published on its website on October 26, 2026.
According to the Commission, the register published online is the same preliminary register that was physically displayed at Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to 15, 2026 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
“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 explained that the online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities.
“It is important to emphasize that the preliminary register is not the final certified register. The Display, Claims and Objections exercise is specifically intended to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable appropriate corrections before certification,” the statement said.
The Commission added that it is examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, and will take appropriate action based on verified findings.
Controversy had trailed the register after Nigerians on X and Facebook spotted entries from a polling unit in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State with photographs suspected to be AI-generated, duplicate photos bearing different names, and alleged names of deceased persons.
INEC, in the statement, appreciated citizens for their vigilance and said final certification of the register will be done by December 15, after the cleanup.
