Political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, and other concerned Nigerians have raised concerns over allegations that artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs appear in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) online voter register in parts of Edo State.
Utomi’s reaction follows the publication of the preliminary register online on Monday, with social media users questioning the accuracy of the voter data and demanding an explanation from the electoral commission.
Some users alleged that the register contained AI-generated photographs, duplicated voter profiles and multiple entries bearing similar identification details, raising concerns about the integrity of the register.
The irregularities were reportedly observed in specific polling units, including the Iyoku–Utukwe Afashio Booth and Ikabigbo Primary School in Etsako West, as well as Udomi Primary School in Esan Central Local Government Area.
In a post on his verified X handle on Tuesday, Utomi said the allegations raised serious questions about the electoral body’s verification process, transparency and accountability.
He warned that questions surrounding the images could undermine public confidence in the country’s electoral process if not properly addressed.
“INEC cannot afford to be careless with the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
“The presence of AI-generated images in a register meant to support our democracy raises serious questions about verification, transparency and accountability.
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“Our democracy is at stake here!” Utomi wrote.
His reaction also followed posts by social media user Decosule, who called on INEC to explain the presence of what he described as AI-generated images in voter records displayed on the commission’s website.
Decosule shared screenshots purportedly taken from the online voter register for polling units in Ward 11, Etsako West Local Government Area, and Udomi in Esan Central Local Government Area, questioning the authenticity of some photographs.
He asked the electoral commission to clarify how the images were included in the register, who conducted the voter registration or image-capturing process, and whether the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) associated with the entries had been collected.
Decosule had also claimed to have observed similar images in the register for Udomi in Esan Central, the local government area associated with Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The screenshots shared by Decosule showed voter entries under polling units identified as Iyoku–Utukwe Afashio Booth and Ikabigbo I–Ikabigbo Primary School in Etsako West, as well as Udomi Primary School in Esan Central.
Decosule urged INEC to provide an explanation, particularly regarding the origin of the photographs and the processes used to verify voter information.
However, the screenshots alone do not independently establish that the images were generated using AI or demonstrate whether any irregularities occurred during voter registration.
INEC is yet to provide an official response to clarify the authenticity of the photographs, how they came to appear on the online platform and whether the commission had identified any problems with the records.
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