The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria has identified 268 irregularities in its preliminary Register of Voters. The issues were uncovered through the commission's Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), which flagged the affected records for further investigation. INEC's Director of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Lawrence Bayode, disclosed this information during a television appearance. The irregularities include suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs and other registration issues.
According to Dr. Bayode, INEC has started reviewing the questionable entries to determine the nature of the irregularities. The goal is to remove records containing artificially generated photographs. Some of the problems are attributed to alleged misconduct by registration officers who had access to the commission's registration platform. They reportedly used their official login credentials to introduce questionable information.
The ICT director raised concerns about the alleged misuse of a special registration arrangement designed for persons with disabilities who have incomplete fingers or no fingers. However, Bayode clarified that INEC would not automatically disqualify voters whose genuine photographs had undergone enhancement through artificial intelligence applications. The commission will distinguish between authentic photographs improved with AI tools and images created entirely through artificial intelligence.
The development follows public criticism of the publication of INEC's preliminary voter register online on October 26. Nigerians spotted suspicious photographs and other questionable entries, including reports of duplicate registrations and names of deceased persons. Some registered voters also complained that they could not find their details in the register.
INEC has maintained that the published register remains preliminary and is subject to corrections through its verification and data-cleanup procedures. The commission is expected to complete the exercise and certify the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission's efforts aim to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the voter register. INEC's review process will help identify and address any irregularities, ensuring that only eligible voters are included in the final register. The commission's actions are crucial in maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
INEC's investigation into the 268 irregularities is ongoing. The commission's goal is to complete the review process and finalize the voter register by the scheduled deadline. This will enable the commission to prepare for the 2027 general elections, ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process.
Key points
- INEC identifies 268 irregularities in Nigeria's preliminary voter register
- Issues include suspected AI-generated photographs and registration irregularities
- Commission aims to complete review and finalize voter register by December 15, 2026
