BREAKING: INEC Admits Suspicious AI-Generated Photos In 2027 Presidential Election Voter Register
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged concerns over suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs appearing in Nigeria’s Preliminary Register of Voters, saying it is reviewing questionable records and investigating possible technical or procedural lapses.
The commission said the photographs were among irregularities identified during the public display of the preliminary register, adding that corrective measures were underway ahead of the certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, and signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), the commission clarified that the register published on its website on October 26 was the same preliminary register physically displayed at Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to 15.
The exercise, known as Display, Claims and Objections, allows members of the public to examine voter registration records, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and request corrections before the final register is certified.
INEC said some questionable records had been identified and flagged for further examination during the exercise.
According to the commission, it has commenced reviewing the affected records and taking appropriate corrective action.
However, it explained that the version uploaded to its website did not reflect all the ongoing data-cleanup activities.
“The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities,” the commission stated.
INEC stressed that the preliminary register should not be confused with the final certified Register of Voters, saying the ongoing review is intended to identify and correct irregularities before certification.
“It is important to emphasize that the preliminary register is not the final certified register,” the commission said.
It added that the public display exercise was specifically designed to facilitate scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and enable necessary corrections before the register is finalised.
The electoral commission also disclosed that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including the possibility of technical or procedural lapses in the registration process.
“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,” it said.
INEC welcomed concerns raised by citizens and other stakeholders, describing public scrutiny as an important part of efforts to improve the accuracy and integrity of the voter register.
The commission assured Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed through applicable procedures and that further updates would be provided as the review progresses.
The development follows a report earlier on Tuesday, which raised concerns over suspected AI-generated photographs appearing on multiple voter profiles on INEC’s official website.
SaharaReporters observed the images while examining voter profiles on the commission’s online register, where several records appeared to contain photographs suspected of being artificially generated rather than authentic pictures of registered voters.
Among the profiles examined were those bearing the names Ealefoh Oritsenoma, Ebamenbhegbe Besi, Ebhohimen Godwin, Jacob Gabriel, Maniru Noah, Matthew Isaac and Odion Bibi.
The voter identification numbers displayed alongside the profiles were partially masked on the website.
The discovery raised questions about the authenticity of photographs linked to voter records, the procedures used to verify submitted information and the safeguards in place to prevent potentially fabricated images from appearing in an official electoral database.
The issue was publicly raised by Nigerian political economist and professor Pat Utomi, who questioned the implications of suspected AI-generated images appearing in a database used in the country’s electoral process.
In a post on X, Utomi warned that the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system could be undermined if concerns about the authenticity and verification of voter information were not addressed.
“INEC cannot afford to be careless with the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. The presence of AI-generated images in a register meant to support our democracy raises serious questions about verification, transparency and accountability. Our democracy is at stake here!” he wrote.
The concerns come amid growing scrutiny of the role artificial intelligence could play in elections, particularly as advances in generative AI make it easier to produce realistic-looking images that may be mistaken for authentic photographs.
INEC Plans AI Deployment Ahead Of 2027 Elections
The discovery also comes weeks after INEC Chairman Amupitan announced plans to deploy artificial intelligence tools to strengthen result verification and cybersecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As the media reported on October 6, Amupitan disclosed the plans at a press conference and national stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where he outlined the commission’s preparations for the forthcoming elections.
He said INEC had established a dedicated AI division within its Information and Communications Technology department.
According to the chairman, automated AI auditing tools had also been integrated into the commission’s result verification process under a five-pillar AI governance framework that requires human oversight.
“An AI governance framework policy is being finalised by the commission,” Amupitan said.
He further disclosed that INEC was working with international technology companies and other partners to integrate AI-powered anomaly detection tools into its systems.
According to him, the tools would monitor database traffic and help protect the commission’s systems against cyber intrusions and unauthorised alterations.
Amupitan also said the commission was preparing for nationwide mock accreditation and public display exercises while training its workforce ahead of the elections.
He described the preparations as part of a “100-day sprint” towards the 2027 general election and assured Nigerians and the international community of INEC’s commitment to neutrality and electoral integrity.
However, the appearance of suspected AI-generated photographs on voter profiles has raised questions about the safeguards protecting the commission’s own electoral databases.
Political Party Questions INEC’s AI Plans
INEC’s proposed use of artificial intelligence has also attracted criticism from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which accused the commission of planning to manipulate the 2027 general elections in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, and titled “INEC’s Plan To Rig The 2027 General Elections With AI,” the party questioned the timing of the proposed deployment and demanded greater scrutiny of the technology.
“INEC is plotting to rig the 2027 general elections in favour of the ruinous APC by deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI). Suddenly, AI has become an attractive tool for the election management body,” the party said.
The NDC’s allegation remains the party’s position. INEC’s latest statement, meanwhile, says the commission is examining the suspicious photographs and will take action based on verified findings.
The review is taking place ahead of the scheduled December 15, 2026 certification of the final Register of Voters, with the commission saying it will provide further updates as the process progresses.
