2027: INEC deletes AI-generated photos from voters’ register, probes officials in 10 states

INEC has removed AI-generated photographs from Nigeria’s voters’ register and flagged officials in 10 states for disciplinary action as part of efforts to protect the integrity of the 2027 general elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed artificial intelligence-generated photographs from Nigeria’s voters’ register and identified officials implicated in the practice across 10 states.

According to PUNCH, INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna disclosed this on Wednesday during a webinar on artificial intelligence, misinformation and the 2027 elections.

Haruna, who chairs the commission’s Information and Voter Education Committee, described the development as a major electoral challenge.

“We have already seen one of the challenges, which is that a lot of AI-generated photographs were posted onto the voters’ register, which, as we have said, we have had to take down,” he said.

He confirmed that officials involved had been identified and would face disciplinary measures.

“We have their names across about 10 states, and obviously, they are going to face disciplinary action,” Haruna added.

The commissioner further disclosed that INEC was finalising its artificial intelligence policy to address emerging technological threats and strengthen electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 polls.