Kunle Adelabu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified the issue of AI-generated photographs in the Preliminary Register of Voters recently published on its website.
It clarified that the register recently published online is the same with the ones displayed physically with respect to which members of the public have raised claims and objections.
The Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, made the clarifications in a statement on Tuesday.
”The Commission wishes to clarify that the register published online on 26 October 2026 is the same preliminary register physically displayed at Registration Areas (RAs) nationwide from 9th to 15th October 2026 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
He noted that the Commission has started reviewing the Suspicious photographs to ensure proper corrective measures.
”During the physical display, a number of questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination. The Commission commenced the process of reviewing these records and taking appropriate corrective action in accordance with established procedures.”
He explained futher: “The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities.”
Muhammed also emphasised that, rather, the display is to facilitate public scrutiny of the register.
”It is important to emphasise that the preliminary register is not the final certified register. The Display, Claims and Objections exercise is specifically intended to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable appropriate corrections before certification.”
”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.”
The Commission thanked the vigilance of citizens and stakeholders who have brought these concerns to public attention, adding that such scrutiny contributes to the process of improving the accuracy and integrity of the register.
The IVEC Chairman also assured members of the public that INEC remains committed to completing the necessary verification, adjudication, and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on 15th December 2026.
The Commission also assured Nigerians that verified irregularities will be addressed through the applicable procedures and that further updates will be provided as the review progresses.
