SERAP urges Tinubu to probe AI photographs, voter register manipulation

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) weekend urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to analyze suspected Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated pictures and alleged alterations to private information within the preliminary Register of Voters printed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a letter dated October 31, 2026 and signed by SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged the NDPC, led by Dr Vincent Olatunji, to conduct an impartial forensic examination of INEC’s database and set up the character and extent of the reported irregularities.

SERAP mentioned the investigation ought to decide whether or not a private information breach occurred below the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, establish these accountable and guarantee affected Nigerians can confirm and proper their information with out being wrongfully excluded from the electoral course of.

“The reported irregularities raise serious concerns about the security and integrity of Nigerians’ personal data and the reliability of the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections,” SERAP mentioned.

The group cited INEC’s October 27 assertion acknowledging “suspected AI-generated photographs” and “questionable registration records” recognized throughout the nationwide show of the register from October 9 to fifteen.

INEC mentioned it had commenced a evaluate and was taking “appropriate corrective action,” including that the preliminary register was not the ultimate licensed register.

SERAP mentioned the NDPC investigation ought to set up the quantity and geographical distribution of affected information, how they have been created or altered, and whether or not authorised registration officers misused their entry credentials.

It additionally urged the federal government to make sure stronger safeguards and accessible procedures for voters to confirm and proper their information.

SERAP gave the federal government seven days to behave, warning that it will contemplate “appropriate legal actions and other lawful measures” if its calls for weren’t addressed.