Preliminary voters registers published on INEC website not final, says National Commissioner

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has clarified that the preliminary register of voters
recently published on its website is not the final certified register.

The commission explained that the ongoing display, claims and objections exercise is specifically intended to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable appropriate corrections before certification.

The clarification was contained in a press statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, an INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC)

The statement was in response to public concerns and reports circulating on social media regarding suspected AI-generated photographs appearing in the Preliminary Register of Voters recently published on its website.

“The Commission said that it is also examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, and will take appropriate action based on verified findings.

The Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, led INEC stated that it remains committed to completing the necessary verification, adjudication, and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on 15th December 2026.

It assuresy Nigerians that verified irregularities will be addressed through the applicable procedures and that further updates will be provided as the review progresses.

The statement by the electoral body reads, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has noted public concerns and reports circulating on social media regarding suspected AI-generated photographs appearing in the Preliminary Register of Voters recently published on its website.

“The Commission wishes to clarify that the register published online on 26 October 2026 is the same preliminary register physically displayed at Registration Areas (RAs) nationwide from 9th to 15th October 2026 as part of the Display, Claims and Objections exercise.

“During the physical display, a number of questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination.

“The Commission commenced the process of reviewing these records and taking appropriate corrective action in accordance with established procedures.

“The online publication represents the original preliminary register and does not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities.

“It is important to emphasize that the preliminary register is not the final certified register.

‘The Display, Claims and Objections exercise is specifically intended to facilitate public scrutiny, identify inaccuracies and irregularities, and enable appropriate corrections before certification.

“The Commission is also examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses, and will take appropriate action based on verified findings.

“The Commission appreciates the vigilance of citizens and stakeholders who have brought these concerns to public attention. Such scrutiny contributes to the process of improving the accuracy and integrity of the register.

“INEC remains committed to completing the necessary verification, adjudication, and data-cleanup processes ahead of the scheduled certification of the final Register of Voters on 15th December 2026.

“The Commission assures Nigerians that verified irregularities will be addressed through the applicable procedures and that further updates will be provided as the review progresses”, it said.