The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is investigating suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs and other irregularities in its preliminary Register of Voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Saturday during the commission’s South-South zonal interactive meeting with staff in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In a statement published on its official X account, the commission said Amupitan assured Nigerians that the affected records were being examined and corrective measures would be taken based on verified findings.
The development follows growing public criticism of the preliminary voters’ register, with Nigerians raising concerns over suspected AI-generated photographs, duplicate entries and names of deceased persons.
Lawrence Bayode, INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), had earlier linked some of the irregularities to registration officers who allegedly abused their official login credentials to introduce questionable records into the database.
According to Bayode, the commission discovered that some registration officers across the country had used their access to manipulate entries, including uploading AI-generated photographs.
INEC has urged Nigerians to participate in the display, claims and objections process to identify inaccuracies and ensure that their records are properly verified before the final register is published.
The commission is expected to certify the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
Amupitan also disclosed that INEC was preparing its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), including 57,000 newly procured devices, while auditing its electronic result management systems to strengthen transparency in the transmission of election results through the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
The INEC chairman urged electoral officials in the South-South to uphold impartiality, discipline and accountability as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
He warned that anyone who threatens or attacks INEC officials, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed for election duties, would face the full weight of the law.
Amupitan said the South-South zone has 15,823,550 registered voters, including 3,736,434 in Rivers State.
He stressed that no eligible voter should be disenfranchised because of administrative negligence or logistical failures.
The chairman also acknowledged the logistical challenges posed by the region’s creeks, coastal settlements and riverine communities.
He disclosed that INEC had finalised a memorandum of understanding with the Maritime Transporters Union to ensure the timely and secure transportation of election personnel and materials.
