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Allegations that artificial intelligence-generated photographs have appeared in Nigeria’s online voter register have drawn scrutiny to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in anticipation of upcoming elections, with a prominent political figure demanding accountability.
The concerns come from social media posts by a user identified as Decosule, who shared screenshots purportedly showing anomalous voter images in Edo State.
The posts flagged polling units in Etsako West and Esan Central Local Government Areas, questioning how the photographs were captured, who conducted the registration, and whether the corresponding Permanent Voter Cards had been collected.
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!!!!!
@PeterObi @AishaYesufu @mrUmanu_Elijah @ARISEtv @channelstv @CNN @BBCWorld @AmnestyNigeria @YIAGA @ace_democracy
— Decosule (@SuleDeco) October 26, 2026
The allegations follow INEC’s recent move to publish the Preliminary Register of Voters online.
On October 26, the commission announced it had made the register available at https://display.inecnigeria.org to complement the physical display held across Registration Areas from October 9 to 15, 2026, in accordance with Section 19 of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Prof. Pat Utomi, an economist, weighed in on the allegations, warning that unanswered questions could damage public confidence in the electoral process.
“INEC cannot afford to be careless with the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process,” Utomi wrote.
“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!”
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! https://t.co/uBSl1J9tp9
— Pat Utomi (@UtomiPat) October 27, 2026
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The screenshots, however, do not independently verify that the images were generated by AI, nor do they confirm that any irregularities occurred during registration.
INEC, which has stated it is processing claims and objections ahead of the final register publication on December 15, 2026, has not yet responded to the specific allegations or clarified the authenticity of the flagged records.
