AI photograph controversy: 'Online voters’ register not closing‘ – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has acknowledged that the Preliminary Register of Voters revealed on its web site is just not the ultimate licensed register, following public issues and social media stories of suspected AI-generated images within the doc.

In a press assertion issued on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, IVEC, Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna, mentioned the preliminary register stays topic to scrutiny, verification and correction earlier than certification.

“It is important to emphasise that the preliminary register is not the final certified register,” Haruna mentioned.

He defined that the Display, Claims and Objections train is particularly supposed to facilitate public scrutiny, establish inaccuracies and irregularities, and allow acceptable corrections earlier than the register is licensed.

Commissioner Haruna clarified that the register revealed on-line on 26 October 2026 is identical preliminary register that was bodily displayed at Registration Areas, RAs, nationwide from 9 to fifteen October 2026 as a part of the train.

According to the assertion, plenty of questionable registration data have been recognized and flagged for additional examination through the bodily show. Haruna mentioned INEC has since commenced the method of reviewing the data and taking acceptable corrective motion in accordance with established procedures.

He famous that the net publication represents the unique preliminary register and doesn’t mirror all ongoing data-cleanup actions.

Commissioner Haruna additional disclosed that INEC is analyzing the circumstances surrounding the suspicious images, together with potential technical or procedural lapses, and can take acceptable motion based mostly on verified findings.

Haruna additionally expressed appreciation to residents and stakeholders who introduced the issues to public consideration, noting that such scrutiny contributes to bettering the accuracy and integrity of the register.

“The Commission 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 assertion mentioned.

Commissioner Haruna assured Nigerians that verified irregularities could be addressed via the relevant procedures, and that additional updates could be supplied because the overview progresses.