The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has flagged 268 records in its preliminary Register of Voters over suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs and other irregularities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Lawrence Bayode, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, explaining that the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) detected the questionable records.
According to Bayode, some individuals allegedly exploited a special registration provision designed for persons with disabilities, particularly those with incomplete or missing fingers, to create questionable voter profiles.
He said the commission had commenced the process of removing records confirmed to be irregular from the preliminary register.
Bayode, however, clarified that voters whose genuine photographs were merely enhanced using AI applications on their mobile phones would not be excluded from the register. He explained that only photographs generated entirely through artificial intelligence would be removed.
The development followed public concerns after INEC uploaded its preliminary Register of Voters to its website on October 26, 2026. Screenshots circulating on social media showed unusual photographs attached to some voter records, particularly in Edo State.
The publication also triggered concerns over alleged duplicate registrations, the inclusion of deceased persons and complaints by some registered voters who claimed their details were missing from the online register.
Reacting to the controversy, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso called for a transparent and independent investigation, urging INEC to make its findings public and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
Political economist Pat Utomi and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Moses Paul, also questioned how suspected AI-generated photographs found their way into the voter database.
Similarly, the Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Clement Nwankwo, raised concerns over the reported increase in the number of registered voters from over 90 million to 103 million, questioning the accuracy of the figures and the commission’s verification procedures.
INEC had earlier defended the publication, explaining that the online version was the same preliminary register physically displayed across registration areas nationwide between October 9 and 15.
The commission maintained that the register was not yet final and that the display, claims and objections exercise was designed to allow members of the public to identify errors, report questionable entries and request necessary corrections.
INEC also confirmed that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses.
The commission is expected to complete its verification and data-cleanup processes before certifying the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
