The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, to investigate the reported introduction of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs and alterations to personal data in the preliminary register of voters published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This request follows INEC's publication of the preliminary register and its acknowledgement of suspected AI-generated photographs and questionable registration records.
SERAP expressed concerns about the security and integrity of Nigerians' personal data and the reliability of the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections. The organization urged the NDPC to establish the nature and extent of the reported irregularities, determine whether any personal data breach has occurred, identify those responsible, and ensure that affected Nigerians can verify and correct their records. SERAP's deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, signed the letter dated October 31, 2026.
The reported irregularities raise serious concerns about the security and accuracy of the voter register, which is fundamental to the protection of Nigerians' personal data and their right to participate in public affairs. Nigerians should not have to worry that their personal information could be altered, manipulated, or accessed without proper safeguards. INEC's acknowledgement of questionable records and suspected AI-generated photographs makes an independent investigation particularly important.
SERAP requested that the NDPC conduct an independent forensic examination of the affected database and systems to determine whether personal data were unlawfully accessed or altered and whether INEC complied with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. The organization also urged the NDPC to determine whether the incidents constitute a personal data breach under section 65 of the Act and whether INEC has complied with its applicable notification and record-keeping obligations.
According to INEC's statement of October 27, 2026, the commission acknowledged public concerns regarding suspected AI-generated photographs appearing in the Preliminary Register of Voters published on its website. INEC stated that, during the physical display of the register nationwide from October 9 to 15, 2026, a number of questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination.
INEC reportedly acknowledged the existence of questionable voter-registration records and indicated that some registration officers may have used their official access credentials to introduce irregular records, including photographs suspected to have been generated using artificial intelligence. While the commission has indicated that it is reviewing the matter, an independent investigation by the NDPC is necessary to establish the full circumstances, determine the extent of the irregularities, and ensure accountability.
SERAP has given the government, NDPC, INEC, and other relevant authorities seven days to take the requested measures. If not, the organization shall consider appropriate legal actions and other lawful measures to compel compliance with their requests in the public interest. The proposed investigation should establish the nature and extent of the reported irregularities, including the number and geographical distribution of affected records, when and how they were created or altered, and the persons or institutions responsible.
Key points
- SERAP demands probe into AI-generated voter register photos and alleged data breaches by INEC.
- Investigation necessary to establish full circumstances and ensure accountability.
- Affected Nigerians should be able to verify and correct their records without wrongful exclusion.
