Prof. Patrick Utomi has raised alarm over AI-generatd images that appeared on the voters register which was officially released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday.
The professor of political economy in a post on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, argued that the presence of AI-generated images in a voters register meant to support democracy raises serious questions about verification, transparency and accountability.
He however, warned that Nigeria’s democracy is at stake here.
“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. Our democracy is at stake here!”, Utomi said.
Diaspora Digital Media reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made the preliminary register of voters for the 2027 general election available online following concerns over public access to the document.
In a statement, Mohammed Haruna, chairman of INEC’s information and voter education committee, said the preliminary register of voters displayed between October 9 and 15 will be updated.
“In accordance with section 19 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the commission conducted the physical display of the register at registration areas nationwide from 9th to 15th October, 2026, providing registered voters the opportunity to inspect their particulars and submit claims and objections as prescribed by law,” he said.
Haruna added that the online publication followed the physical display of the preliminary register at registration areas nationwide, in line with Section 19 of the Electoral Act 2026.
The chairman of the information and voter education committee said the online publication would complement the physical exercise and provide wider access to the register.
“Accordingly, and in furtherance of its commitment to transparency, accessibility and public confidence in the electoral process, the commission has decided to make available on its online platform https://display.inecnigeria.org the same preliminary register of voters earlier displayed at the registration areas, ” Haruna said.
“This additional measure complements the physical display already undertaken and is intended to facilitate wider public access to the register.
“Meanwhile, the commission continues to process claims and objections arising from the exercise in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026, preparatory to the certification and publication of the final register of voters on 15th December 2026.”
