The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that the preliminary voter register currently available on its website is not the final register to be used for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The commission said the register was undergoing a review and data-cleanup exercise to address irregularities, including concerns over suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs found in some registration records.

INEC made the clarification in a statement issued on Tuesday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), following reports circulating on social media about questionable photographs in the preliminary register.

According to the commission, the online register published on October 26, 2026, is the same preliminary document displayed physically at Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to 15 as part of its Display, Claims and Objections exercise.

INEC explained that some questionable records were identified during the physical display and flagged for further investigation and possible correction.

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

It stressed that the preliminary register was intended to allow members of the public to scrutinise voter records, identify inaccuracies and raise objections before the final document is certified.

INEC also confirmed that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses that may have contributed to their appearance in the register.

“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 statement added.

The electoral body assured Nigerians that it would address verified irregularities in accordance with established procedures, insisting that the integrity and accuracy of the voter register would not be compromised.

INEC further appreciated citizens and stakeholders who brought the concerns to public attention, describing their scrutiny as helpful to the process of improving the register.

The commission said it remained committed to completing the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes ahead of the certification of the final Register of Voters.

It disclosed that the final register is scheduled to be certified on December 15, 2026, ahead of the 2027 elections.

INEC urged Nigerians to understand that the current online publication remains preliminary, adding that further updates would be provided as the review progresses.