The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has flagged 268 voter registration records over suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs and other irregularities as it intensifies efforts to sanitise Nigeria’s voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development has heightened concerns about the integrity of the national voter database, particularly following the circulation of questionable photographs and alleged duplicate registrations in the commission’s recently published preliminary Register of Voters.
INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Lawrence Bayode, disclosed the figure during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
He explained that the commission’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) had identified the 268 records for further examination after detecting photographs and registration details that appeared irregular.
Bayode stressed that the flagged entries had not automatically been established as fraudulent, explaining that INEC was conducting additional investigations to determine which records contained genuinely AI-generated photographs and other forms of manipulation.
INEC Explains Difference Between AI-Generated and Enhanced Photos
Bayode clarified that the commission would not automatically disqualify voters whose genuine photographs had been enhanced using artificial intelligence applications on mobile phones.
He explained that modern smartphones use AI-powered technology to improve image quality, making it necessary for INEC to distinguish between genuine photographs that have been enhanced and images created entirely through artificial intelligence.
According to him, voters whose original photographs were merely enhanced would remain on the register.
However, photographs confirmed to have been generated entirely by AI would be removed, alongside other records established to be irregular.
The ICT director also raised concerns about the alleged exploitation of INEC’s special registration procedure, which accommodates persons with disabilities, particularly those with incomplete fingers or no fingers.
He alleged that some individuals exploited the provision to create questionable voter profiles, reportedly using official registration credentials.
The allegation raises questions about access controls, the supervision of registration personnel and the effectiveness of safeguards around INEC’s voter registration infrastructure.
However, the commission’s ongoing review will need to establish how the questionable records were created, who was responsible and whether the irregularities resulted from deliberate manipulation, procedural failures or technical weaknesses.
Edo State Controversy Triggers National Outcry
The controversy gained national attention after INEC published its preliminary Register of Voters online on October 26, 2026.
Social media users examining the register reportedly discovered unusual facial photographs attached to voter records in parts of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The FactCheckHub, in a fact-check published on October 29, confirmed that suspicious photographs appeared in the preliminary register and that INEC had acknowledged the existence of questionable registration records.
Its investigation traced the controversy to screenshots showing voter profiles in Uzairue Southeast Ward, including entries associated with Iyoku-Utukwe Afashio Booth and Ikabigbo Primary School.
The viral post raising the issue had attracted more than 776,000 views by October 28, alongside thousands of reposts and comments, demonstrating the level of public concern surrounding the discovery.
Beyond the suspicious photographs, Nigerians also raised concerns about alleged duplicate registrations, missing voter information and the reported appearance of deceased persons’ names in the preliminary register.
Although these complaints require separate verification, they have intensified calls for a comprehensive examination of INEC’s voter registration database before the 2027 elections.
INEC Defends Preliminary Voter Register
Responding to the controversy on October 27, INEC, through its Information and Voter Education Committee Chairman, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, explained that the register published online on October 26 was the same preliminary document physically displayed nationwide between October 9 and 15.
The exercise was conducted under the Display, Claims and Objections procedure, which allows registered voters and members of the public to examine the records and report errors, omissions, questionable entries and other irregularities.
INEC maintained that the online publication represented the original preliminary register and did not incorporate all the data-cleaning activities already underway.
The commission also acknowledged that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical and procedural lapses.
It assured Nigerians that appropriate corrective measures would be taken based on verified findings.
The commission further clarified that the preliminary register should not be confused with the final certified Register of Voters that will be used for the 2027 general elections.
SERAP Demands Independent Investigation, Gives Tinubu Seven Days
The controversy has taken another dimension following a demand by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for an independent investigation into the suspected AI-generated photographs and other questionable entries.
In a letter dated October 31, 2026, SERAP urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Vincent Olatunji, to investigate the allegations.
The organisation wants the NDPC to establish whether Nigerians’ personal information was unlawfully accessed, altered or manipulated during the voter registration process.
SERAP also called for an independent forensic examination of INEC’s database and registration systems to determine the number of affected records, how they were created or modified and the individuals or institutions responsible.
It specifically raised concerns about the possible misuse of authorised registration officers’ access credentials and whether the commission complied with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
The organisation cited Sections 24 and 39 of the Act, which address the accuracy and security of personal data, and Section 65 concerning personal data breaches.
It also referenced Section 40, which provides for notification of qualifying personal data breaches to the NDPC within 72 hours of becoming aware of them.
SERAP gave Tinubu seven days to ensure that the requested investigation and other corrective measures were initiated, warning that it could consider legal action if the government failed to respond.
Why the 268 Records Matter to the 2027 Elections
The discovery comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s electoral preparations, with the credibility of the 2027 general elections likely to depend significantly on the accuracy and reliability of the national voters’ register.
The register is a fundamental electoral document because it determines who is eligible to participate in elections and provides the basis for organising voter accreditation and polling activities.
The appearance of suspected AI-generated photographs therefore raises questions beyond the authenticity of individual images.
It also draws attention to the integrity of the registration process, the security of INEC’s information technology infrastructure and the possibility of unauthorised access to sensitive voter information.
Importantly, the identification of 268 questionable records does not establish that 268 fraudulent voters have been confirmed or that the affected individuals participated in any electoral offence.
INEC must establish whether the irregularities involve fabricated identities, manipulated photographs, unauthorised registrations, compromised staff credentials or other administrative and technical problems.
The commission will also need to demonstrate that eligible voters are not wrongly removed simply because their photographs have been flagged for investigation.
This is particularly important because special registration provisions exist to accommodate persons with disabilities and should not become grounds for discriminating against legitimate voters.
The distinction between AI-generated identities and genuine photographs enhanced through AI technology will therefore be important in determining the appropriate corrective measures.
December 15 Deadline for Final Voters’ Register
INEC has scheduled December 15, 2026, for the certification of the final Register of Voters after completing the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup exercises.
The deadline gives the commission a limited period to investigate the 268 flagged records, resolve complaints and address other discrepancies identified during the preliminary register’s public scrutiny.
It also presents an opportunity for INEC to strengthen its internal controls, investigate possible staff involvement and improve the protection of its electoral database.
For Nigerians, the central concern is not simply whether suspicious photographs will be removed, but whether the final voters’ register will accurately reflect genuine eligible voters without fabricated identities, unauthorised alterations or wrongful exclusions.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, INEC faces an important credibility test: demonstrating that its voter registration system is secure, transparent, accurate and capable of withstanding manipulation.
The commission’s handling of the 268 flagged records could therefore become an important indicator of its preparedness to protect the integrity of the 2027 electoral process.
