The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that the Preliminary Register of Voters published on its website contains the original records displayed physically across the country, insisting that the register is not yet the final certified document.
The Commission gave the clarification following public concerns and reports circulating on social media over suspected Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated photographs discovered in the recently published voters’ register.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, by the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission explained that the online register published on October 26 is the same preliminary register physically displayed at Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to 15, 2026, during the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
INEC disclosed that some questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display, adding that the process of reviewing the records and taking appropriate corrective action had commenced.
The Commission explained that the online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not incorporate all ongoing data-cleanup activities.
It stressed that the preliminary register should not be mistaken for the final certified Register of Voters, noting that the Display, Claims and Objections exercise is designed to allow citizens and stakeholders scrutinise the records, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and facilitate necessary corrections before certification.
INEC further disclosed that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, assuring that appropriate action would be taken based on verified findings.
While appreciating Nigerians and other stakeholders who raised concerns over the questionable entries, the Commission described public scrutiny as essential to improving the accuracy and integrity of the voters’ register.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to completing the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on December 15, 2026.
The Commission assured Nigerians that all verified irregularities would be addressed through established procedures and that further updates would be provided as the review progresses.
