The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the preliminary register of voters published online still contains records flagged for further examination, following public concerns over suspected AI-generated photographs.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Commission clarified that the register uploaded to its website 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.
National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna explained that questionable registration records were identified and flagged during the physical display, prompting a review and corrective process in line with established procedures.
However, the Commission noted that the online version represents the original preliminary register and does not incorporate all ongoing data cleanup activities.
It stressed that the preliminary register is not the final certified Register of Voters, adding that the display exercise is designed to enable public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and facilitate corrections before certification.
INEC also disclosed that it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses. Appropriate action, it said, would be taken based on verified findings.
The Commission commended citizens and stakeholders who raised concerns about the photographs, describing public scrutiny as an important part of efforts to improve the accuracy and integrity of the voter register.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to completing the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
It assured Nigerians that verified irregularities would be addressed through established procedures and that further updates would be provided as the review progresses.
