Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) admission that AI-generated images and irregularities entered the voter register through registration officers. He described it as a scandal that undermines the Commission's credibility. Atiku's statement was issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
Atiku expressed disappointment that INEC acknowledged the abuse of its system by those entrusted to operate it, yet failed to provide answers on why this happened. He emphasized that INEC's ICT director described the commission's security safeguards as weaker than ordinary social media accounts. Atiku questioned how the database holding millions of Nigerians' votes could be less secure than personal social media accounts.
Atiku demanded that INEC disclose evidence, identify officers involved, and explain why they have not been suspended or prosecuted. He insisted that INEC must not quietly 'clean up' the register and bury the evidence, especially with allegations of over 20 million AI-generated images involved. Atiku called for an independent forensic audit, preservation of voter records, and examination by accredited independent experts.
The issue also involves INEC's refusal to disclose the companies contracted to produce sensitive election materials, a secrecy Atiku deemed incompatible with a credible election. He stressed that opposition parties must receive the same information about contractors and protocols. Atiku threatened to go to court to compel INEC to disclose the truth if necessary.
Atiku called on opposition leaders and the international community to demand an independent audit, full disclosure, and accountability. He accused President Tinubu's government of enabling the crisis by allowing INEC to evade scrutiny. Atiku emphasized that INEC has no right to demand trust while concealing evidence and shielding those responsible.
Atiku's concerns are echoed by various stakeholders who are worried about the credibility of the 2027 election. The opposition parties and civil society groups have been demanding transparency and accountability from INEC. The issue has sparked a national debate about the integrity of the electoral process.
The credibility of the 2027 election is at stake, and Atiku's demands are clear: name the culprits, expose the contractors, and submit the register and election materials to independent scrutiny. Until then, he claims that INEC's assurances are worthless.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar urges INEC to disclose evidence and identify officers involved in compromising the voter register.
- An independent forensic audit is demanded to examine the voter register and election materials.
- The opposition parties and international community are called upon to demand transparency and accountability from INEC.
