The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to investigate the introduction of suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs and alleged alterations to personal data in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter register. This follows INEC's acknowledgement of questionable records and suspected AI-generated photographs identified during the nationwide display of the preliminary Register of Voters from October 9 to 15, 2026.
SERAP's demand comes amid concerns over possible violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to privacy and political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections. The organisation wants a forensic examination of INEC's voter database to establish the extent of the irregularities, identify those responsible, and determine whether registration officers abused their official access credentials.
In a letter dated October 31, 2026, SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged President Tinubu to direct the NDPC to conduct an independent investigation into the reported irregularities. The 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 individuals or institutions responsible.
SERAP raises concerns that the introduction of questionable records, including photographs suspected to have been artificially generated, raises legitimate questions about the accuracy and reliability of the register and the safeguards put in place to protect its integrity. The organisation expressed worry that Nigerians' personal information could be altered, manipulated, or accessed without proper safeguards.
The organisation urges the NDPC to exercise its statutory powers independently and without delay, stressing that the investigation must establish the facts, protect affected voters, and ensure that anyone found responsible for unlawful conduct is held accountable. SERAP also wants the commission to determine whether the incidents constitute a personal data breach under Section 65 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
SERAP has given the Federal Government seven days to act, threatening legal action against the government, NDPC, INEC, and other relevant authorities if its demands are ignored. The organisation requested that the Federal Government ensure the implementation of its demands within seven days of receiving or the publication of the letter.
The proposed investigation is expected to establish whether personal data were unlawfully accessed or altered and whether INEC complied with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. The NDPC is also urged to publish its findings and recommendations, subject to lawful protections, and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established.
Key points
- SERAP demands investigation into AI-generated photos and alleged manipulation of INEC voter register
- Investigation should establish extent of irregularities and identify those responsible
- SERAP threatens legal action if demands are ignored within seven days
