“Preliminary Register Is Not Final” – INEC Addresses AI Photo Concerns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the preliminary register of voters published on its website is not the final certified document, following public concerns over suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs appearing in the register.

The commission said it had begun reviewing questionable registration records identified during the physical display of the preliminary register at Registration Areas nationwide, assuring Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed before the final register is certified on December 15, 2026.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, said the online register published on October 26 was the same preliminary register displayed physically across the country from October 9 to 15.

He explained that the publication did not incorporate all the data-cleanup activities already underway.

“The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities,” Haruna said.

The clarification followed concerns circulating on social media over photographs suspected to have been generated using artificial intelligence, raising questions about the integrity of the voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general election.

INEC said questionable registration records had been identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display exercise, adding that the review process and corrective measures were being pursued in accordance with established procedures.

The commission also disclosed that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses.

“The Commission is also examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, and will take appropriate action based on verified findings,” the statement said.

INEC explained that the Display, Claims and Objections exercise was designed to allow citizens and other stakeholders to scrutinise the preliminary register, identify errors and irregularities, and facilitate corrections before the document receives final certification.

“It is important to emphasize that the preliminary register is not the final certified register,” Haruna said.

The commission commended citizens and stakeholders who drew attention to the questionable photographs, describing public scrutiny as an important part of efforts to improve the accuracy and integrity of the register.

INEC assured Nigerians that it would complete the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes ahead of the December 15 deadline for certifying the final Register of Voters.

It added that further updates would be provided as the review progressed, while reiterating its commitment to addressing verified irregularities through applicable procedures.