The Independent National Electoral Commission has sought to allay public concerns over suspected AI-generated photographs in the preliminary voter register published online earlier this month, saying it is investigating.

Mohammed Haruna, INEC’s spokesman, admitted on Tuesday that the photographs appeared in a preliminary register but said it was not the final certified version.

Mr Haruna explained that the temporary online register matched the physical register posted in all local government registration areas between October 9 and 15. He said pasting the preliminary voter register at various registration areas was routine for INEC as “part of its display, claims and objections exercise”.

He explained that the exercise was a test to help the government identify and correct all inconsistencies in the register before certification.

“It is important to emphasise that the preliminary register is not the final certified register,” Mr Haruna stated. “The display, claims and objections exercise is specifically intended to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable appropriate corrections before certification.”

Mr Haruna said INEC was investigating the AI images and attributed them to possible technical lapses.

“The commission is also examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, and will take appropriate action based on verified findings,” the INEC official said.

Mr Haruna welcomed the scrutiny and feedback from Nigerians, saying they would help improve the accuracy and integrity of the voter register ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The commission appreciates the vigilance of citizens and stakeholders who have brought these concerns to public attention,” Mr Haruna said. “Such scrutiny contributes to the process of improving the accuracy and integrity of the register. The commission assures Nigerians that verified irregularities will be addressed through the applicable procedures and that further updates will be provided as the review progresses.”

An X user, @suledeko, raised concerns over what he described as profiles generated with artificial intelligence on the voters’ register released by INEC ahead of the January and February 2027 polls.

The user posted at least eight similar voter profiles from two different polling units in Ward 12, Iyoku  Booth and Ikabigbo I. Both are in Uzairue South East, Etsako West council area in Edo.

Eight names on the register (Ealegoh Oritsenoma, Ebamenbhegbe Besi, Ebekhile Juliet, Ebhodaghe Dorsu, Ebakoleane Sonia, Ebare Orighomisan, Ebarelumhen Blessing, and Ebarre Blessing) all have the same profile picture.

Ebakoleane Sonia’s picture in Ikabigbo I was enhanced to look like a woman, but it was still the same face on the other seven male profiles.

“Dear @inecnigeria, can you explain why you have AI-generated images on the INEC Register in polling units in Ward 11, Etsako West LG, Edo State,” the netizen said on Monday. “We want an explanation. Who infused AI-generated images in the register? Who did the capturing? Who collected their PVCs, if they have been collected?”