By John Dike Osogbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that verified irregularities discovered in the voters register will be addressed before the final register is certified on December 15, 2026.
It gave this promise as it started a review of suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs discovered in the Preliminary Register of Voters,
Also, it explained that the register uploaded online on October 26, 2026, was the same preliminary register physically displayed at Registration Areas nationwide between October 9 and 15 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise
This clarification followed public concerns and reports circulating on social media over photographs suspected to have been generated using artificial intelligence in the preliminary register recently published on its website.
.According to the commission, some questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display, prompting the commencement of a review and the process of taking appropriate corrective measures.
The commission, however, clarified that the online publication contained the original preliminary register and did not reflect all the data-cleanup activities currently being undertaken.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, stressed that the preliminary register should not be mistaken for the final certified register.
He explained that the Display, Claims and Objections exercise was designed to allow members of the public to scrutinise the register, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and provide an opportunity for necessary corrections before its final certification.
INEC said the process was an essential component of efforts to ensure that the register accurately reflects eligible voters and meets the required standards of credibility and integrity.
The commission further disclosed that it was examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses that might have contributed to their appearance in the register.
It added that appropriate action would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and verified findings.
The development has drawn attention to the importance of data verification and quality control in the electoral process, particularly as the commission prepares to certify the final Register of Voters.
INEC acknowledged the concerns raised by citizens and other stakeholders, describing public scrutiny as an important contribution to improving the accuracy and integrity of the register.
The commission maintained that observations and complaints from the public would assist its efforts to identify questionable entries and address any confirmed irregularities through established procedures.
It also assured Nigerians that the verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes would be completed ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
The commission promised to provide further updates as its review progresses, reiterating its commitment to addressing verified irregularities in accordance with applicable procedures.
INEC’s clarification underscores the distinction between the preliminary register, which is open to public scrutiny and corrections, and the final certified register that will emerge after the completion of the verification process.
The commission urged stakeholders to recognise the purpose of the preliminary publication as part of the broader process of identifying errors and improving the credibility of the voters’ register.
The controversy over the suspected AI-generated photographs has placed renewed emphasis on the need for transparency, effective verification mechanisms and accountability in the management of voter registration data.
INEC’s next steps will include examining the flagged records, establishing the circumstances surrounding the suspicious images and implementing appropriate corrections where irregularities are confirmed.
The commission said it remained committed to ensuring that the final register is subjected to the necessary checks before certification.
