The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has come under criticism following allegations that its preliminary register of voters contains AI-generated photographs, duplicate profiles and questionable identification details ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The controversy erupted on Monday after the electoral body published the register online, prompting social media users to question the authenticity of some records and demand urgent clarification from the commission.
Several Nigerians alleged that the database contained identical photographs attached to different voter numbers, repeated identification details and profiles suspected to have been created using artificial intelligence. Others claimed that the register included deceased persons, raising concerns about the accuracy of the data and the effectiveness of INEC’s verification procedures.
The allegations have triggered widespread criticism, with some citizens warning that unresolved discrepancies could weaken public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
Reacting to the development, an X user identified as @Umeh said: “They keep saying get your voters card, but behind the scene they are working to make your votes invalid. Imagine an agency saddled with the responsibility of conducting free and fair election having its head accused of supporting the ruling party, and now AI generated images and names on its website. Nigerians are not angry enough!”
Another user, @pat utomi, questioned the implications of the alleged irregularities for electoral transparency, stating: “INEC cannot afford to be careless with the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. The presence of AI-generated images in a register meant to support our democracy raises serious questions about verification, transparency and accountability. Our democracy is at stake here!”
Similarly, @stevekay accused the commission of compromising the forthcoming elections, writing: “With what @inecnigeria did with that voters register you should know they won’t conduct free and fair election come 2027. INEC IS COMPROMISED!!”
An X user identified as @anas also alleged political motives behind the reported entries, saying: “INEC used ai to create their own fraudulent citizens just to aid election malpractices for APC ?? Oh nooo. Nigeria see yourself.”
Concerns were also raised over specific records allegedly linked to Edo State. @Sule called on the commission to explain the presence of suspected AI-generated photographs in Etsako West Local Government Area, writing: “Dear @inecnigeria can you explain why you have AI Generated images on the INEC Register in polling units in Ward 11, Etsako West LG, Edo State. We want explanation. Who infused AI generated images in the register? who did the capturing? Who collected their pvcs if they have been collected? We want answers!!!!!”
Meanwhile, @Morris Monye alleged that the reported duplication could facilitate electoral manipulation, stating: “This is how INEC wants to run the 2027 election and opposition are looking. Duplicate as many names as possible for multiple voting, flood the register with AI information. This is advanced level vote layering.”
Another user, @Ken, demanded accountability from the electoral body and called for its chairman’s resignation, writing: “Whatever you’re doing as a Nigerian, you better stop and take a look at this. INEC just committed an abomination. They have tampered with the voters register by inserting Ai generated voter’s profile. This is probably why they’ve refused to release the voters register for scrutiny.
“Amupitan must resign, INEC needs to be occupied…this country needs to be shut down till this madness is corrected.”
Adding to the calls for an explanation, @Micfobiz said: “Suspicion over alleged INEC @inecnigeria fake AI pictures on their voters list posted in Etsako, Edo State. Picture of Ghost voters PVC suspected. INEC need to clarify as a matter of urgency.”
@Eze described the allegations as a serious indictment of the commission’s handling of voter registration, stating: “This is a national disgrace. @inecnigeria so after collecting Billions of tax payers money, this is the best you can give in return? An election based on fake and faticious voters registration?? AI images with harvested NIN from our national database? This is shameful.”
Calls for intervention from opposition politicians and other public figures also emerged, with @bright urging them to respond to the controversy. The user wrote: “@PeterObi @atiku @KwankwasoRM @ChibuikeAmaechi please issue a statement now. This is a disaster.. @inecnigeria wants to compromise this election . @InibeheEffiong please talk now. The flooded the voters register with AI generated images. Time to act now. This is evil”
In another lengthy reaction, @felix alleged that the register contained millions of duplicate records and questioned the commission’s handling of the publication. The user said: “Nigerians, there is fire on the mountain!
“After weeks of dragging INEC to publish the voters’ register, they have finally unlocked it on their website. But guess what? There are over millions of duplicated voters with the same picture, the same NIN, but different voter numbers. Some people can even identify their family members who died over eight years ago still listed on the website.
“What a useless waste of resources.
“You remember when the APC was moving mad, sharing rice and collecting people’s voter card numbers and NINs? This is what they achieved with it. What does this mean? For instance, in a polling unit of 2,000 voters, AI can record 10,000 voters using the rest of the duplicate data.
“INEC is a fraud. Amupitan has instigated revolution and chaos in this country
The allegations have intensified scrutiny of INEC’s voter registration database, particularly regarding the authenticity of photographs, the handling of personal identification details and the removal of duplicate or invalid records.
However, the claims circulating on social media have not, in themselves, established that the alleged irregularities resulted from deliberate electoral manipulation. An official explanation and verification of the disputed entries would be necessary to determine their origin and significance.
The controversy comes as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections, with the credibility of the voter register remaining a critical issue in public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
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