The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has attributed the appearance of suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs and other questionable entries in its preliminary voter register to irregularities allegedly introduced by some registration officers.
INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Dr Lawrence Bayode, disclosed this during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, October 30, 2026. He explained that some registration officers across different states had allegedly used their authorised access to introduce irregularities into the registration system.
Bayode said the commission’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) helped identify questionable records during its review of the database. He stressed that not all the suspicious photographs were generated by artificial intelligence, noting that some entries resulted from poor registration procedures.
According to the ICT director, registration officers have login credentials that allow them to enter voter information into the system. He said INEC had identified how some of the questionable records were introduced, although he could not explain why the officers involved had allegedly engaged in the practices.
The disclosure follows public concern after INEC published its preliminary register of voters online on October 26. Nigerians examining the database raised questions about photographs that appeared artificial, alongside reports of duplicate entries and other questionable records.
The commission had earlier said that some irregularities were identified during the physical display of the preliminary register at registration areas nationwide from October 9 to 15. It explained that the online version reflected the original preliminary register and did not include all the data-cleaning work already underway.
INEC has emphasised that the register currently under review is not the final certified version. The commission said it was examining flagged records and would carry out the necessary verification, adjudication and corrections before certifying the final register on December 15, 2026.
The controversy has raised concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s voter database ahead of the 2027 general election. The register is a fundamental part of the electoral process, and questions over the authenticity of photographs and registration details have prompted calls for transparent investigations and stronger safeguards.
Although INEC’s preliminary findings point to alleged misconduct by some registration officers and weaknesses in registration procedures, the full extent of the irregularities and any disciplinary action against those responsible remain to be established.
The commission’s ongoing review will be important in determining which records require correction or removal and in reassuring voters that the final register accurately reflects eligible citizens. The findings may also inform measures to strengthen access controls and prevent similar irregularities in future registration exercises.
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