The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria has identified 268 suspicious voter records with AI-generated photos and irregularities. Using its biometric verification system, INEC flagged these records for further review. The commission has begun purging the fake entries, ensuring that only genuine voter information remains in the register. This move comes ahead of the final register certification scheduled for December 15, 2026.
INEC's Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) detected the suspected AI-generated photographs and other irregularities during the verification of the preliminary Register of Voters. The commission's Director of Information and Communication Technology, Lawrence Bayode, stated that INEC is reviewing every flagged record before taking final action. Some individuals allegedly exploited the special registration option for persons with disabilities to create questionable voter profiles.
The special registration process created a loophole for those behind the suspicious entries. Bayode explained that INEC has started removing fake records from the preliminary register. However, not every voter with a "too perfect" picture will lose their registration. Many modern smartphones use artificial intelligence to improve image quality, which is not enough to disqualify a voter. Genuine photos enhanced by smartphone AI will remain valid.
The controversy began after INEC published its preliminary Register of Voters online on October 26. Screenshots of unusual-looking photographs attached to some voter records, particularly from Edo State, went viral on social media. Nigerians raised concerns about alleged duplicate registrations, names of deceased persons, and complaints from eligible voters who couldn't find their details online.
The issue sparked widespread criticism from politicians, civil society groups, and election observers. Many are demanding greater transparency before the 2027 elections. The Nigeria Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, called for an independent investigation into the matter. He urged INEC to verify suspicious entries and investigate possible duplicate or artificial identities.
Other stakeholders, including political economist Pat Utomi and the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Moses Paul, expressed concerns about the credibility of Nigeria's electoral process. They questioned how AI-generated photographs found their way into a register meant to safeguard Nigeria's elections. Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) Executive Director, Clement Nwankwo, raised concerns about the sharp rise in registered voters and called for improved transparency.
INEC insists that Nigerians should not panic, as the register currently available online is only a preliminary version. The commission explained that the Display, Claims and Objections exercise was designed to allow the public to identify errors and report suspicious entries. INEC is expected to conclude its data cleanup and certify the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026, ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- INEC finds 268 suspicious voter records with AI-generated photos.
- Fake entries will be deleted from the register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- INEC to certify the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
