Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has demanded that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) identify officials allegedly responsible for the inclusion of artificial intelligence-generated photographs in Nigeria’s voter register.
Atiku also called for an independent forensic audit of the register, warning that the controversy could undermine public confidence in the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC candidate made the demand in a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu.
He accused INEC of failing to provide satisfactory explanations over the alleged irregularities and faulted the commission for not disclosing the identities of those responsible.
Atiku described the development as a serious threat to the credibility of the electoral body, arguing that the institution responsible for safeguarding Nigerians’ votes should have stronger mechanisms to prevent unauthorised interference with its database.
“INEC has admitted that some AI generated images are on the voter register and that registration officers introduced irregularities across the country,” he said.
“The Commission charged with protecting Nigerians’ votes has acknowledged that its own system was abused by those entrusted to operate it. This is a catastrophic failure of leadership and safeguards.”
The former Vice President also questioned the explanation reportedly given by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, through Lawrence Boyode, concerning the alleged manipulation of the register.
Atiku argued that if the commission had established how its database was compromised, it should also be able to identify the individuals involved and explain the steps taken against them.
He further criticised the commission’s information technology safeguards, comparing them unfavourably with the security features available on ordinary social media and email platforms.
“If INEC knows how the register was compromised, it must disclose the evidence, identify every officer involved and explain why they have not been suspended and prosecuted,” he stated.
“Amupitan cannot admit the misconduct, withhold the perpetrators’ identities and expect Nigerians to accept ignorance as an excuse. He must account for this failure now.”
Atiku also cautioned against efforts to simply remove the disputed photographs from the voter register without preserving evidence that could help establish how the irregularities occurred.
He said allegations that more than 20 million AI-generated images could be involved made an independent investigation necessary.
The ADC presidential candidate urged opposition parties, civil society organisations and the international community to demand transparency and accountability from the electoral commission.
“INEC has no right to demand trust while concealing evidence and shielding those responsible. Name the culprits, expose the contractors and submit the register and election materials to independent scrutiny,” he said.
“Until then, its assurances are worthless. The credibility of the 2027 election is on the line,” Atiku added.
He also accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of allowing the electoral commission to avoid public scrutiny over the controversy.
The allegations have intensified calls for greater transparency in the management of the national voter register as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections.
