AI photo controversy: ‘Online voters’ register not final‘ – INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that the Preliminary Register of Voters available on its website is not the final certified register. This clarification comes in response to public concerns and social media reports alleging the presence of AI-generated photographs within the document.
In a press statement released Wednesday, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), emphasized that the preliminary register is still subject to scrutiny, verification, and correction before it can be certified.
“It is important to emphasize that the preliminary register is not the final certified register,” Haruna stated.
He explained that the ongoing Display, Claims, and Objections exercise is designed to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies, and allow for necessary corrections before the register reaches its certification stage.
Haruna confirmed that the register published online on October 26, 2026, is identical to the preliminary register displayed at Registration Areas (RAs) across the country from October 9 to 15, 2026, as part of the verification process.
According to the statement, several questionable registration records were flagged for further investigation during the physical display. INEC has initiated a review of these records and will take corrective action as required by established protocols.
Haruna also noted that while the online publication represents the original preliminary register, it does not account for ongoing efforts to clean up data.
Furthermore, INEC is looking into the circumstances surrounding the alleged suspicious photographs, examining potential technical or procedural lapses, and will take appropriate measures based on verified findings.
Haruna expressed gratitude to citizens and stakeholders who raised concerns, stating that such vigilance helps enhance the accuracy and integrity of the voter register.
“The Commission remains committed to completing the necessary verification and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026,” the statement indicated.
He assured Nigerians that any verified irregularities would be addressed through the appropriate procedures, and additional updates will be provided as the review continues.
