The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified 268 questionable voter records due to suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs and other irregularities in the preliminary Register of Voters. The commission's automated verification system detected these entries, which are now undergoing further examination. INEC confirmed that measures have been taken to remove records with artificially generated photographs and other irregularities.
INEC's Director of Information and Communication Technology, Lawrence Bayode, disclosed this information during a television appearance. He explained that the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) is being used to investigate the flagged records and determine the nature of the irregularities. The system identified 268 entries requiring further investigation, and the commission has started reviewing them to decide which should be removed from the register.
Bayode suggested that some individuals might have exploited a special registration arrangement for persons living with disabilities. This arrangement allows people with incomplete or no fingers to register as voters through an alternative process. However, he implied that this provision may have been abused to create questionable voter profiles. The commission is reviewing the affected entries and will remove those found to be fraudulent.
Bayode distinguished between photographs generated entirely through artificial intelligence and genuine pictures enhanced using AI applications on mobile phones. He stated that using AI to improve the quality of an actual photograph would not automatically disqualify a registered voter. INEC will not remove genuine voter records simply because an application enhanced the attached photographs.
The development follows the controversy surrounding the publication of INEC's preliminary Register of Voters on October 26, 2026. Several Nigerians raised concerns after screenshots of questionable voter photographs circulated on social media. Some images were suspected to have been generated using artificial intelligence rather than captured through the commission's normal registration procedures.
Various stakeholders, including Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Nigeria Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, and Pat Utomi, a political economist, have expressed concerns and called for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations. They emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Moses Paul, and the Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Clement Nwankwo, also demanded explanations from INEC.
The incident has raised questions about the credibility of Nigeria's electoral process and the verification procedures in place. INEC's handling of the situation will be crucial in maintaining public confidence in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The commission's actions will be closely watched by stakeholders and the general public.
Key points
- INEC flags 268 voter records over suspected AI-generated photos and irregularities.
- The commission is using its Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) to investigate the flagged records.
- Stakeholders have called for a comprehensive investigation and transparency in the electoral process.
