Nigerians have questioned the integrity of the preliminary voter register released online by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general election, after claims that it includes artificial-intelligence-generated photographs and repeated voter records.
The concerns surfaced on Monday after the register became available. Social-media users called on INEC to explain alleged duplicate profiles, apparently similar identification details and images they said appeared to have been created by AI.
The claims have intensified criticism of the election authority, with users warning that any flaws in the register could damage confidence in the 2027 vote. The allegations have not been independently verified in the material provided.
Quick facts
- The disputed preliminary voter register was published online on Monday.
- Users alleged the presence of AI-made images, duplicate names and recurring identification information.
- One complaint specifically cited polling units in Ward 11, Etsako West local government area of Edo State.
- Several users demanded urgent clarification and stronger scrutiny of the voter-roll process before 2027.
One user, Umeh, said citizens were repeatedly encouraged to obtain voter cards while, in the user’s view, actions behind the scenes could invalidate their votes. Umeh also cited accusations that INEC’s leadership supported the ruling party and said the alleged AI images and names raised alarm.
Pat Utomi said INEC could not treat the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system carelessly. The user argued that AI-generated images in a register intended to underpin democracy created major concerns over validation procedures, openness and accountability, adding that democratic governance was at risk.
Stevekay said the voter-register issue suggested INEC would not deliver a free and fair election in 2027, declaring the commission “compromised.”
Anas alleged that AI had been used to create fraudulent citizens to facilitate electoral malpractice for the All Progressives Congress, or APC. The user described the situation as a warning for Nigeria.
Sule asked INEC to explain why alleged AI-produced pictures appeared in the register for polling units in Ward 11 of Etsako West in Edo State. The user sought answers on who inserted the images, who captured the records and who collected permanent voter cards, or PVCs, if any had been issued.
Morris Monye alleged that duplicated names and AI-related information could be used to enable multiple voting. The user called this an advanced form of “vote layering” and criticised opposition groups for failing to respond.
Ken described the alleged register changes as an “abomination,” claiming voter profiles created by AI had been inserted. The user further alleged that this was why the register had not previously been released for review, and called for Amupitan to resign, for INEC to be occupied and for the country to be shut down until the issue was addressed.
Micfobiz said there was growing suspicion over what the user called fake AI pictures on voter-list entries posted in Etsako, Edo State. The user referred to suspected ghost-voter PVC records and urged INEC to provide an immediate clarification.
Eze called the matter a national disgrace, questioning what taxpayers had received after billions of naira in public spending. The user alleged that the register could contain fictitious voters and AI images linked to National Identification Number, or NIN, data taken from the national database.
Bright urged political figures Peter Obi, Atiku, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Chibuike Amaechi to issue statements, while also calling on Inibehe Effiong to speak out. The user described the allegations as a disaster and accused INEC of seeking to compromise the election through a register allegedly filled with AI-generated images.
Felix said “there is fire on the mountain,” arguing that the register was only unlocked after weeks of pressure on INEC. The user alleged that millions of voter entries had been duplicated, with the same photograph and NIN appearing alongside different voter numbers.
The same user further claimed that some deceased people, including relatives said to have died more than eight years ago, remained listed online. Felix called the process a waste of resources and linked the allegations to claims that APC members had distributed rice while collecting voter-card numbers and NINs.
Felix alleged that, in a polling unit with 2,000 legitimate voters, duplicate information could be used by AI to record as many as 10,000 voters. The user accused INEC of fraud and said Amupitan had triggered unrest and chaos in the country.
