INEC Clarifies Voter Register Is Preliminary, Acknowledges Errors, Welcomes Stakeholders’ Concerns
The Independent National Electoral Commission has acknowledged errors in the preliminary voter register published online and commended stakeholders for raising concerns. It confirmed that it is...
The Independent National Electoral Commission has acknowledged errors in the preliminary voter register published online and commended stakeholders for raising concerns. It confirmed that it is reviewing the records and will take appropriate corrective action under established procedures.
The development comes amid allegations of irregularities in the preliminary register, including claims of AI-generated photographs in some voter entries and duplicate entries sharing a photograph and National Identification Number (NIN) but having different voter identification numbers.
Social media is awash with shortcomings on the voter register, including reflecting the names of notable but dead politicians like Mohammadu Buhari, Rotimi Akeredolu, Ifeanyi Ubah, and Raymond Dokpesi, throwing up probing questions like: How many more million dead people are on this register? These issues raise concerns about the register’s accuracy and credibility and whether every entry represents an eligible voter ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement titled “Clarification on Alleged AI-Generated Photographs in the Preliminary Register of Voters”, to douse the growing tension, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has noted public concerns and reports circulating on social media regarding suspected AI-generated photographs appearing in the Preliminary Register of Voters recently published on its website.
“The Commission wishes to clarify that the register published online on 26 October 2026 is the same preliminary register physically displayed at Registration Areas (RAs) nationwide from 9th to 15th October 2026 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.
“During the physical display, a number of questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination. The Commission commenced the process of reviewing these records and taking appropriate corrective action in accordance with established procedures.
“The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities.
“It is important to emphasize that the preliminary register is not the final certified register. The Display, Claims and Objections exercise is specifically intended to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable appropriate corrections before certification.
“The Commission is also examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, and will take appropriate action based on verified findings.
“The Commission appreciates the vigilance of citizens and stakeholders who have brought these concerns to public attention. Such scrutiny contributes to the process of improving the accuracy and integrity of the register.
“INEC remains committed to completing the necessary verification, adjudication, and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on 15th December 2026.
“The Commission assures Nigerians that verified irregularities will be addressed through the applicable procedures and that further updates will be provided as the review progresses.”
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