The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged that artificial intelligence-generated photographs and other questionable registration records were found in its preliminary voters' register. According to INEC's Director of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Lawrence Bayode, some registration officers used their official login credentials to introduce irregularities into the voter registration database. The commission discovered these irregularities across different states after examining the database through INEC's Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).
The questionable records were found to have been generated through various means, including the use of artificial intelligence and poor registration practices. Bayode clarified that not all suspicious photographs were generated using artificial intelligence, but some resulted from poor registration practices. He stated that some registration officers across the country carried out activities that resulted in irregular entries appearing in the preliminary register.
INEC's Director of Information and Communication Technology expressed concern over the development, stating that the commission had identified how some of the questionable records entered its database but could not establish the reasons behind the actions of the officers involved. Bayode emphasized that the registration officers had access to register people, which enabled them to compromise the process.
The revelation comes amid growing public criticism following the publication of INEC's preliminary voters' register on its website on October 26. Nigerians had raised concerns after screenshots circulated on social media showing suspicious photographs attached to voter records, particularly in parts of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. Some of the images appeared to have been generated using artificial intelligence, while other complaints involved alleged duplicate entries, questionable voter details, and reports of deceased persons appearing in the register.
In response to the controversy, INEC confirmed that it was investigating the suspicious photographs and other irregularities identified in the preliminary register. The commission explained that the online register was the same preliminary version physically displayed at Registration Areas nationwide between October 9 and 15. INEC stressed that the published register was not the final certified version and that corrective action had commenced.
The commission is expected to complete its verification, adjudication, and data-cleanup processes before certifying the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026. Bayode's latest disclosure has intensified concerns about internal controls and the possibility of electoral officials manipulating the registration process. The discovery has also renewed calls for greater transparency, accountability, and stronger safeguards to protect the credibility of Nigeria's electoral database.
Although the presence of AI-generated photographs does not automatically establish that fictitious individuals have been registered as eligible voters or that electoral fraud has taken place, the admission raises serious questions about how such materials passed through the registration process. With the 2027 general elections approaching, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how INEC identifies the officials responsible, removes invalid records, and ensures that the final voters' register reflects genuine and eligible voters.
Key points
- INEC admits AI-generated photos and irregularities in voters' register, blaming registration officers for compromising the process.
- The commission discovered irregularities across different states after examining the database through INEC's Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).
- INEC is expected to complete its verification, adjudication, and data-cleanup processes before certifying the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
