INEC Explains How AI-Generated Photos Entered Voter Register

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has attributed the appearance of suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs in its preliminary register of voters to irregularities allegedly introduced by some registration officers who had access to its registration system. INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Dr Lawrence Bayode, disclosed this on Friday during an interview on Arise Television, explaining that some officers across the country used their login credentials to introduce questionable records into the database. Bayode said the commission discovered the irregularities after running its Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) on the registration records. According to him, the review revealed that some photographs were generated using artificial intelligence, while others resulted from poor registration procedures. He explained that registration officers had access to the system because they were responsible for registering eligible voters in the field. “We have registration officers on the field. And these registration officers, they have login details to log into the system,” he said. Bayode added that INEC had identified some of the irregularities and understood how they entered the register but could not establish the reasons behind the actions. The disclosure follows public concerns over suspicious photographs attached to voter records after INEC uploaded its preliminary register to its website on October 26. Screenshots circulated on social media showed photographs suspected to be AI-generated alongside voter details, particularly in parts of Edo State. Other concerns raised included alleged duplicate entries and complaints from some registered voters who said their information was missing. INEC had earlier explained that the online publication was the same preliminary register displayed physically at Registration Areas nationwide between October 9 and 15. The commission said questionable records had been identified and flagged during the exercise and that corrective action was already underway. It also emphasised that the published document was not the final certified register. The electoral body is expected to complete its verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes before certifying the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026. The development comes as INEC prepares for the 2027 general elections, with the integrity of the voters' register remaining a major concern for political stakeholders and members of the public. The commission's ability to identify and correct questionable entries before final certification will be important in addressing concerns about the accuracy of the register and maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.