Economist and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) chieftain, Professor Pat Utomi, and other concerned voices have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain allegations that artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs appear in its online voter register in parts of Edo State.
The concerns followed social media posts by a user identified as Decosule, who shared screenshots purportedly obtained from INEC’s online voter register and questioned the authenticity of photographs linked to some voter records.
The screenshots reportedly showed entries from polling units in Ward 11, Etsako West Local Government Area, and Udomi in Esan Central Local Government Area.
The development has triggered questions about the processes used to capture, verify and upload voter photographs to the electoral commission’s database.
Reacting to the allegations, Utomi warned that unresolved questions about the authenticity of voter records could affect public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“INEC cannot afford to be careless with the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process,” Utomi said, stressing the importance of verification, transparency and accountability in the management of voter information.
He described the issue as a matter requiring attention, given the importance of credible electoral records to democratic participation.
Decosule also urged INEC to clarify the origin of the photographs, identify the registration and image-capturing procedures involved, and explain whether Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) linked to the disputed entries had been collected.
The screenshots reportedly referenced voter entries associated with Iyoku–Utukwe Afashio Booth and Ikabigbo I–Ikabigbo Primary School in Etsako West, as well as Udomi Primary School in Esan Central.
The allegations have raised questions about the safeguards in place to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s voter register, particularly the verification of photographs and personal information submitted during registration.
However, the screenshots circulating online do not independently establish that the photographs were generated using artificial intelligence or prove that voter registration irregularities occurred.
The authenticity of the images, the circumstances surrounding their appearance on the platform and the status of the affected records remain matters requiring official clarification.
As of the time of this report, INEC had yet to issue an official response addressing the specific allegations, according to the report.
The commission’s explanation is expected to be important in determining whether the disputed images reflect technical issues, errors in the records or any other concerns requiring further investigation.
The development comes amid growing public attention to electoral transparency and the credibility of voter registration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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