The commission’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Lawrence Bayode, disclosed this during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, saying the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) had identified the questionable records for further examination.
Bayode said INEC was reviewing the affected entries, some of which allegedly exploited a special registration option designed for persons with disabilities who have incomplete or missing fingers.
“What we are currently doing now is looking at all these 268 records that ABIS already flagged as AI-generated or even something of irregularities,” he said.
He explained that the commission had begun removing records confirmed to be irregular from the preliminary register.
“Those that we have seen, we are cleaning up,” Bayode added.
INEC Distinguishes AI-Enhanced Photos From AI-Generated Images
The ICT director clarified that the use of artificial intelligence to enhance genuine photographs would not automatically disqualify voters.
He said INEC would distinguish between photographs of real individuals improved with AI-powered applications and images generated entirely through artificial intelligence.
According to him, voters whose genuine photographs were only enhanced would remain on the register, while records containing entirely AI-generated images would be removed after examination.
Voter Register Controversy Triggers Public Reactions
The development follows the publication of INEC’s preliminary Register of Voters on October 26, 2026, which generated public concern after screenshots circulated on social media showing suspicious photographs attached to voter records, particularly in parts of Edo State.
The controversy also raised questions about alleged duplicate registrations, entries bearing the names of deceased persons and complaints from some registered voters who said they could not find their details on the online register.
Political leaders and civil society figures subsequently called on the commission to explain the apparent discrepancies and provide assurances about the integrity of the voter database.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, called for a thorough, transparent and independent investigation into the allegations.
In a statement shared on his X account, Kwankwaso said Nigerians needed more than assurances from INEC, urging the commission to publish its findings and hold anyone found responsible accountable.
He also called for the verification of questionable entries and investigations into possible duplicate or artificial identities to prevent eligible voters from being disenfranchised.
Similarly, political economist Pat Utomi questioned the commission’s verification and accountability procedures, warning that the presence of suspected AI-generated photographs in the register raised concerns about transparency.
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Moses Paul, also demanded explanations from INEC, questioning how the photographs entered a database intended to support the electoral process.
PLAC Raises Questions Over Voter Register Figures
The Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, also expressed concern about the alleged irregularities and their possible implications for the 2027 elections.
Speaking on ARISE News, Nwankwo questioned the increase in the number of registered voters from more than 90 million to 103 million, raising concerns about the accuracy of the figures and the commission’s verification procedures.
He also called for improved communication between INEC and political parties, alongside greater transparency in the commission’s preparations for the elections.
Nwankwo warned that shortcomings in voter registration and polling unit transfer processes could result in eligible voters being disenfranchised.
INEC Says Preliminary Register Is Not Final
INEC had earlier defended the publication of the preliminary register, explaining that the online version released on October 26 was the same document physically displayed at Registration Areas nationwide between October 9 and 15.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission said the online publication did not reflect all the data-cleanup activities already underway.
It stressed that the preliminary register was not the final certified document and explained that the Display, Claims and Objections exercise was designed to allow members of the public to identify inaccuracies, report questionable entries and request corrections.
The commission also said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, and would take appropriate action based on verified findings.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, has also said the commission is examining the records and would take corrective action where necessary.
The commission is expected to complete the verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes before certifying the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
