By Divine Sam.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing mounting criticism after Nigerians raised concerns over alleged AI-generated photographs and duplicate entries in the preliminary voters’ register released online ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The controversy began on Monday following the publication of the register, with social media users questioning the authenticity of some voter profiles and demanding that the electoral commission explain the alleged discrepancies.

Some Nigerians claimed that the online register contained artificially generated photographs, repeated voter profiles and entries with similar identification details, raising concerns about the accuracy of the data and the effectiveness of INEC’s verification process.

The allegations have triggered widespread reactions, with critics warning that any confirmed irregularities could weaken public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.

Among those who reacted was X user @Umeh, who expressed suspicion about the credibility of the electoral system and questioned whether Nigerians’ efforts to obtain their voter cards would translate into credible elections.

“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, called for greater transparency and accountability from the electoral body, warning that the controversy could damage confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.

“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 questioned whether INEC could deliver credible elections in 2027, 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!!”

In another reaction, @anas alleged that the reported images could be linked to possible electoral manipulation, accusing the commission of creating questionable voter profiles to benefit the ruling APC.

“INEC used ai to create their own fraudulent citizens just to aid election malpractices for APC ?? Oh nooo. Nigeria see yourself.”

The controversy also drew attention to Ward 11 in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, where @Sule demanded answers about the alleged appearance of AI-generated photographs in the register.

“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 raised concerns about the potential implications of duplicate voter records, alleging that such entries could be exploited to manipulate the electoral process.

“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 commenter, @Ken, described the allegations as serious and called for urgent action, including the resignation of INEC Chairman Amupitan.

“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.”

Also reacting, @Micfobiz urged the commission to investigate the claims and explain the origin of the photographs allegedly found in the Edo State register.

“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.”

For @Eze, the controversy raised questions about the management of public funds and the reliability of the voter registration process.

“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 political leaders to intervene also emerged, with @bright urging opposition figures, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, to respond to the allegations.

“@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 a lengthy post, @felix alleged that the preliminary register contained millions of duplicate entries, including profiles with identical photographs and National Identification Numbers (NINs) but different voter numbers. The user also claimed that some deceased persons remained listed on the platform.

“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 demands for INEC to address public concerns, explain how the preliminary register was compiled and clarify the reported irregularities.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the credibility of the voter register remains a critical issue. However, the claims circulating on social media have yet to be independently established, and allegations of AI-generated photographs or duplicate records do not, on their own, prove deliberate electoral manipulation.

A clear response from INEC, alongside a transparent review of any verified discrepancies, would help address public concerns and strengthen confidence in the electoral process.