The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has started reviewing its preliminary voter register due to flagged inconsistencies and suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs. Mohammed Haruna, chairman of INEC's information and voter education committee, stated that the commission is examining the circumstances surrounding these irregularities. The register, published online, is the same preliminary document displayed physically at registration areas nationwide from October 9 to 15.
During the physical display, several questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination. The commission has commenced reviewing these records and taking corrective action according to established procedures. The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect ongoing data-cleanup activities. INEC emphasized that the preliminary register is not the final certified register.
The display, claims, and objections exercise aims to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable corrections before certification. INEC uploaded the preliminary voter register to its online platform following calls for broader public access ahead of the 2027 general election. This move aligns with Section 19 of the Electoral Act 2026.
The commission faced criticism over irregularities in the register, including duplicate entries and suspected AI-generated photographs. Screenshots shared by social media users showed entries from a polling unit in Etsako west LGA of Edo state with potentially AI-generated photographs. INEC remains committed to completing verification, adjudication, and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final register of voters on December 15, 2026.
Haruna assured that the commission would take appropriate action based on verified findings and provide further updates as the review progresses. INEC's review process aims to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the voter register. The commission is working to address concerns and irregularities raised by the public and stakeholders.
The review process is crucial in ensuring the credibility of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election. INEC's efforts to clean up the voter register demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability. The commission's actions will help to build trust in the electoral process and ensure that the final register of voters is accurate and reliable.
INEC's review of the voter register is part of its preparations for the 2027 general election. The commission is working to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair, and credible. With the scheduled certification of the final register of voters on December 15, 2026, INEC is taking steps to address concerns and irregularities raised by the public and stakeholders.
Key points
- INEC reviews voter register for suspected AI-generated photos and inconsistencies.
- The preliminary register is not the final certified register.
- INEC aims to complete verification and data-cleanup processes by December 15, 2026.
