INEC Flags 268 Voter Records Over Suspected AI-Generated Photos Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has flagged 268 voter records over suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs and other irregularities as it begins cleaning up the preliminary Register of Voters ahead of the 2027 general election.

INEC's Director of Information and Communication Technology, Lawrence Bayode, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television's Sunday Politics, explaining that the commission's Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) had identified the affected records for further investigation.

INEC Investigates 268 Flagged Records

Bayode said the commission was reviewing all 268 records to determine which contained entirely AI-generated photographs or other forms of manipulation before taking corrective action.

He also raised concerns about the alleged misuse of special registration, a provision designed to accommodate persons with disabilities who have incomplete fingers or no fingers.

According to him, some individuals allegedly exploited the provision and used official credentials to create questionable voter profiles. INEC's biometric system subsequently detected the irregularities.

AI-Enhanced Photos Will Not Be Automatically Removed

The INEC official clarified that the commission would not remove every photograph that had been improved using artificial intelligence tools.

He explained that there was a difference between photographs generated entirely by AI and genuine images enhanced with AI-powered features on mobile phones.

Bayode said only photographs confirmed to have been entirely AI-generated would be removed, adding that the commission had already started addressing the affected records.

Final Voter Register Expected December 15

The development follows public concerns over INEC's preliminary Register of Voters, which was published online on October 26. Screenshots circulated on social media showing questionable photographs attached to voter records, including entries reportedly linked to parts of Edo State.

The controversy also raised concerns about alleged duplicate registrations and reports that deceased persons' names appeared on the register.

INEC explained that the online publication was the same preliminary register displayed physically at Registration Areas across the country from October 9 to 15. It stressed that the register was not yet the final certified version.

The display exercise was intended to allow Nigerians to identify errors, challenge questionable entries and report inaccuracies before certification.

The commission said it would complete its verification, adjudication and data-cleanup exercises before certifying the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.

Channels Television