The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to order an independent investigation into suspected artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photographs and questionable records in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) preliminary Register of Voters.

The organisation wants the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to determine whether personal data were unlawfully altered or accessed and whether the incidents violated the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

In a letter dated October 31, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP called on Tinubu to direct the NDPC’s National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Olatunji, to investigate the alleged irregularities.

According to Channels Television, the request follows INEC’s acknowledgement of suspected AI-generated photographs and questionable registration records identified during the nationwide display of the preliminary voter register between October 9 and 15.

SERAP said the reported irregularities raised serious concerns about the security of Nigerians’ personal information and the reliability of the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation called for an independent forensic examination of INEC’s database and systems to establish the nature and extent of the irregularities, identify those responsible and determine whether the commission complied with applicable data protection laws.

It also urged the NDPC to establish the number and geographical distribution of affected records, when and how they were created or altered, and whether authorised access credentials may have been misused.

SERAP stressed that an internal review by INEC could not replace the NDPC’s independent statutory investigation.

SERAP Seeks Protection for Affected Voters

The organisation warned that unlawful alteration or manipulation of voter information could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and expose eligible Nigerians to wrongful exclusion.

It urged authorities to provide affected voters with accessible procedures to verify and correct their records without being unfairly prevented from participating in elections.

SERAP also called for stronger security safeguards, accountability where wrongdoing is established, and publication of the NDPC’s findings and recommendations, subject to lawful protections.

The organisation cited Sections 24 and 39 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, which address the accuracy and security of personal data and protection against unlawful alteration or unauthorised access.

It also referenced Section 40, which requires data controllers to notify the NDPC of certain personal data breaches likely to pose risks to individuals’ rights and freedoms within 72 hours of becoming aware of them.

SERAP further cited Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy, alongside international and regional provisions protecting citizens’ participation in public affairs and elections.

INEC Begins Review of Questionable Records

INEC acknowledged public concerns over suspected AI-generated photographs appearing in its preliminary voter register in a statement dated October 27, 2026.

The commission said questionable registration records were identified and flagged for further examination during the nationwide physical display of the register.

It added that a review had commenced and that appropriate corrective action was being taken.

INEC also stated that the online register did not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities and that it was examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses.

The commission maintained that the preliminary register was not the final certified version.

It said verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes would be completed before the final Register of Voters is certified on December 15, 2026.

SERAP Gives Tinubu Seven Days

SERAP urged Tinubu to ensure that the requested measures were implemented within seven days of receiving or the publication of its letter.

The organisation warned that it would consider legal action and other lawful measures if the government, NDPC, INEC and relevant authorities failed to respond.

It insisted that the reported irregularities must be independently investigated and addressed before the final register is certified.

SERAP said Nigerians must be able to trust that the voter register for the 2027 general elections is accurate, reliable and adequately protected against manipulation.