Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is under scrutiny following the discovery of suspected AI-generated photographs and questionable entries in the voters' register published for the 2027 general election. The commission has acknowledged the irregularities, with its Director of ICT, Lawrence Bayode, revealing that some registration officers allegedly abused their official access credentials to introduce questionable records.
The irregularities were detected by INEC's Automated Biometric Identification System, and investigations and corrective measures are currently underway. The development has sparked concerns among opposition figures and Nigerians, who are calling for accountability and questioning how such records passed through INEC's verification systems.
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), had previously criticized INEC's failure to make the register accessible online during the statutory display period. He argued that announcing voter numbers without allowing public scrutiny undermines transparency, as mandated by Section 19 of the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the Electoral Act, INEC must display the preliminary register physically and online for seven days, allowing citizens 14 days to submit objections concerning ineligible or deceased persons and claims relating to omitted names. Section 20 provides for revision officers to determine such claims, with appeals to the Resident Electoral Commissioner.
The discovery of AI-generated photographs has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, particularly in light of previous debates over the electronic transmission of results and statutory requirements compelling political parties to submit membership registers.
With the final register scheduled for certification on December 15, Nigerians are demanding verifiable assurances that every eligible vote counts and every fictitious identity is excluded. INEC must publish a comprehensive account of the irregularities, identify culpable officials, resolve legitimate objections, and provide unrestricted public access to corrections before certification.
Ultimately, INEC's ability to demonstrate transparency and reliability in its database will be crucial in restoring Nigerians' confidence in the electoral process. The commission must take immediate action to address the irregularities and ensure that only eligible, properly registered voters appear on the certified register and are accredited to vote.
Key points
- INEC has acknowledged the irregularities in the voters' register and is conducting investigations and corrective measures.
- The discovery of AI-generated photographs has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
- Nigerians are demanding verifiable assurances that every eligible vote counts and every fictitious identity is excluded from the final register.
