The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched a review of suspicious photographs, including suspected artificial intelligence-generated images, reported in the Preliminary Register of Voters published on its website, following public concerns over the integrity of the electoral database.
The Commission disclosed this in a press statement dated October 27, 2026, signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), assuring Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed before the final register is certified.
INEC said the concerns emerged after the online publication of the preliminary register on October 26, which contained the same records physically displayed at Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to 15 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
According to the Commission, some questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display, prompting a review and corrective measures in line with established procedures.
“The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities,” the statement said.
INEC stressed that the preliminary register was not the final certified register, explaining that the display exercise was designed to enable public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and facilitate corrections before certification.
The electoral body also disclosed that it was examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, promising to take appropriate action based on verified findings.
“The Commission appreciates the vigilance of citizens and stakeholders who have brought these concerns to public attention. Such scrutiny contributes to the process of improving the accuracy and integrity of the register,” Haruna stated.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to completing the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
The Commission assured Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed through applicable procedures and that further updates would be provided as the review progresses.
