SERAP urges Tinubu to order probe into alleged data manipulation in INEC voter register

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to launch an independent investigation into alleged manipulation of personal data and suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s preliminary Register of Voters.

SERAP warned that the alleged irregularities could undermine the credibility of the voter register, expose Nigerians’ personal information to unauthorised alterations and erode public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a letter dated October 31, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation called on Tinubu to direct the NDPC National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Vincent Olatunji, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the questionable registration records.

SERAP urged the commission to establish the nature and extent of the alleged irregularities, the number of affected records, their geographical distribution, when and how they were created or altered, and the individuals or institutions responsible.

The call follows INEC’s acknowledgement of concerns over suspected AI-generated photographs and questionable registration records identified during the nationwide display of the preliminary voter register from October 9 to 15.

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According to SERAP, INEC, in a statement issued on October 27, admitted that suspicious photographs had appeared in the preliminary register published on its website.

The electoral commission also reportedly disclosed that questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination during the physical display exercise, adding that it had commenced a review and was taking corrective measures.

SERAP, however, insisted that INEC’s internal review should not substitute for an independent investigation by the data protection regulator.

It called on the NDPC to conduct a forensic examination of the affected database and systems to determine whether personal data had been unlawfully accessed, manipulated or altered and whether INEC violated provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.

The organisation also urged the commission to recommend stronger security safeguards and establish accessible mechanisms for Nigerians to verify and correct their voter information without being unfairly disenfranchised.

It further demanded the public release of the investigation’s findings and recommendations, subject to lawful protections, as well as accountability for individuals or institutions found culpable.

SERAP cited Sections 24 and 39 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, which require personal data to be processed accurately and securely and protected against unlawful alteration, loss or unauthorised access.

It also noted that data controllers are required to notify the NDPC of certain personal data breaches within 72 hours of becoming aware of them.

The organisation described the alleged irregularities as particularly troubling given that INEC’s voter database contains the personal information of millions of Nigerians and serves as a critical instrument for the exercise of their constitutional and democratic rights.

It warned that any unlawful manipulation of the database could compromise the reliability of the voter register and expose eligible citizens to wrongful exclusion from the electoral process.

SERAP also invoked Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy, alongside provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that protect citizens’ rights to participate in public affairs and vote in genuine elections.

Meanwhile, INEC has reportedly maintained that the preliminary register is not the final certified version, explaining that verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes would be completed before the final Register of Voters is certified on December 15, 2026.

SERAP urged Tinubu to ensure that the requested measures were implemented within seven days of receiving or the publication of its letter, warning that it would consider legal action and other lawful steps if the authorities failed to act.

The organisation stressed that an independent investigation and transparent resolution of the allegations were essential to safeguarding Nigerians’ personal information and preserving public confidence in the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.