INEC investigates AI-generated photos in voter register ahead of December deadline

The Independent National Electoral Commission has begun investigating suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs discovered in the preliminary register of voters published on its website, promising to correct verified irregularities before certifying the final register on December 15, Punch reports.

INEC said it had identified and flagged questionable registration records during the physical display of the preliminary register nationwide, clarifying that the online version published on October 26 did not reflect its ongoing data-cleanup activities.

“The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities,” the commission said in a statement issued by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

The commission said the exercise, conducted through the Display, Claims and Objections process from October 9 to 15, was designed to allow public scrutiny of the register to identify inaccuracies before final certification.

INEC added that it was examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses. “The Commission is also examining the circumstances… and will take appropriate action based on verified findings,” Haruna said.

INEC welcomed public scrutiny of the register and reaffirmed its commitment to completing verification and data-cleanup processes ahead of the December 15 certification deadline.