INEC Flags 268 Voter Records Over Suspected AI Photos

(INEC. Photo Credit: NALTF)

INEC has flagged 268 records in its preliminary voter register that appear to have AI generated photos or other irregularities.

The commission is working to clean them up before the 2027 general elections.

Lawrence Bayode, INEC's Director of ICT, said in an online interview that the Automated Biometric Identification System picked out the records.

He said some people may have misused the special registration option for persons with disabilities, including those with incomplete or missing fingers, to create fake voter profiles.

He said the records are being removed.

However, voters whose photos were only enhanced by AI on their phones will stay on the register.

Only photos that were fully generated by AI will be taken out.

The issue came to light after INEC published its preliminary register online on October 26.

Screenshots showed strange photos attached to some voter records, especially in Edo State.

People also raised concerns about duplicate entries, names of dead people and voters whose details were missing.

Opposition figures and civil society groups have called for a clear and independent investigation.

NDC vice presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso wants the findings made public.

Pat Utomi and Obidient Movement coordinator Moses Paul also raised concerns about how the photos got into the register.

Clement Nwankwo of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre questioned why the number of registered voters rose from over 90 million to 103 million.

INEC has defended the online version, saying it matches the register displayed in registration areas from October 9 to 15.

It says the register is not final and that the display and objection period allows the public to report errors.

INEC is also investigating how the photos got in.

The final register is due to be certified on December 15, 2026.