The concerns surfaced on Monday after the electoral body published the preliminary register online, prompting social media users to question the accuracy of the information and demand an explanation from the commission.
Some users alleged that certain voter profiles contained artificial intelligence-generated photographs, while others claimed to have identified duplicate entries with similar identification details and photographs. The claims have raised questions about the verification process and the reliability of the data published for public scrutiny.
However, the allegations circulating online have not, in the material provided, been independently verified, and the presence of questionable images or duplicate-looking entries does not by itself establish deliberate electoral manipulation.
Nigerians Demand Explanation From Electoral Commission
Several social media users called on INEC to explain the alleged irregularities, with some questioning whether the entries had been properly verified before publication.
Some posts specifically referenced Ward 11 in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, alleging that certain photographs appeared to be AI-generated and that some voter profiles shared similar details.
Other users claimed to have found repeated photographs, similar identification numbers and names of deceased relatives in the preliminary register. Some commentators went further, alleging that the entries could be used to facilitate electoral malpractice, although the posts provided do not establish that such manipulation has occurred.
The reactions reflect concerns about the accuracy of the register and the need for INEC to address credible complaints before the 2027 elections.
INEC Says Final Register Will Be Published in December
The controversy follows INEC’s decision to publish the preliminary register online on October 26 after concerns about public access to the list.
In its statement, the commission said the register had previously been displayed at registration areas nationwide from October 9 to 15, allowing voters to inspect their details and submit claims or objections under the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC said it was processing submissions arising from the exercise ahead of the certification and publication of the final register of voters, scheduled for December 15, 2026.
The preliminary register is available through the commission’s online platform at display.inecnigeria.org.
INEC has not, in the official statement cited above, confirmed the specific allegations of AI-generated photographs or duplicate entries described in the social media posts.
The commission’s response to the claims, including whether the disputed entries are genuine errors, technical issues or evidence of other irregularities, remains important to resolving public concerns. Any confirmed errors can then be addressed through the applicable claims-and-objections process before the final register is certified.
