The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained that the preliminary register of voters published on its website contains the original records displayed across the country earlier this month, amid public concerns over suspected AI-generated photographs.
The commission, in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, said the online register published on October 26 was the same preliminary register physically displayed at Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to 15 during the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
INEC said some questionable registration records were identified during the physical display and flagged for further examination. It added that the process of reviewing the records and making necessary corrections had commenced.
According to the commission, the online version does not reflect all the data-cleanup activities currently underway.
INEC stressed that the preliminary register is not the final certified voters’ register, explaining that the display exercise is designed to allow members of the public to scrutinise the records, identify errors and report irregularities before the final register is approved.
The commission also disclosed that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses that may have allowed them to appear in the register.
It said appropriate action would be taken based on the findings of the review.
INEC acknowledged the concerns raised by Nigerians and other stakeholders, describing public scrutiny as an important part of efforts to improve the accuracy and integrity of the voters’ register.
The commission assured Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed in line with established procedures and that further updates would be provided as the review progresses.
It added 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.
