HURIWA demands independent probe into suspected AI images in INEC voter register

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct an independent and transparent investigation into suspected AI-generated photographs found in the preliminary register of voters ahead of the 2027 general election.

The association warned that failure to resolve the allegations and address confirmed irregularities could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

In a statement dated October 28, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA urged INEC to open its investigation to credible civil society organisations and publish verifiable findings.

The association said the commission must establish how the suspicious photographs entered its database, identify those responsible for the disputed entries and determine whether the anomalies resulted from technical failures, procedural lapses or deliberate misconduct.

HURIWA also questioned whether the individuals associated with the disputed records had completed the registration process and collected their Permanent Voter Cards.

According to the group, INEC’s explanation of the controversy has not adequately addressed the questions raised by Nigerians about the integrity of the voter register.

The association called for independent monitoring of the investigation, including scrutiny of the verification process and oversight of efforts to correct or remove confirmed irregularities.

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It maintained that public confidence could not be restored through assurances alone, insisting that INEC must demonstrate accountability and sanction anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.

INEC had explained that the preliminary register uploaded to its website on October 26, 2026, was the same register displayed physically at Registration Areas nationwide. The commission also clarified that the online publication did not reflect its ongoing data-cleaning activities.

The electoral body said it had flagged questionable registration records for further examination and would take appropriate action based on verified findings.

However, HURIWA insisted that the preliminary status of the register should not diminish the urgency of investigating the allegations and correcting confirmed anomalies before the final register is certified.

The association also urged political parties to engage artificial intelligence specialists, cybersecurity professionals and data analysts to independently scrutinise the register and assess the technological safeguards being deployed for the 2027 elections.

It said political parties should develop the technical capacity to detect suspicious entries, identify possible duplicate identities and challenge irregularities through established procedures rather than rely solely on INEC’s assurances.

HURIWA further called on the commission to investigate complaints about missing names and alleged duplicate voter identities, establish the facts and provide clear procedures for affected voters to correct their records before the final register is certified.

The group stressed that INEC must protect eligible voters from wrongful exclusion while preventing fictitious or ineligible identities from compromising the integrity of the electoral database.

It warned that weaknesses in verification systems could create opportunities for electoral manipulation and demanded that the commission explain how its technology detects fabricated photographs, duplicate records and unauthorised alterations to voter information.

HURIWA said the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend partly on the commission’s ability to demonstrate that the voter register was accurate, secure and protected against manipulation.

The association urged INEC to disclose the outcome of its investigation and ensure that every confirmed irregularity was addressed transparently.

It added that independent verification, accountability and public disclosure were essential to reassuring Nigerians that the electoral register could not be manipulated to influence the outcome of the forthcoming elections.