‘AI images’: Kwankwaso demands independent audit of INEC voter register

The vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has called for an independent audit of the preliminary voter register published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following allegations of suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs and other questionable records.

Kwankwaso, in a statement shared on his Facebook page, expressed concern that the alleged irregularities could undermine the integrity of the voter registration system and raise questions about the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

He urged INEC to provide clear explanations on how the suspicious images entered the register and whether the individuals linked to the records were genuinely registered and had their identities properly verified.

“With the 2027 elections approaching, INEC must provide Nigerians with clear and convincing answers. How did these suspicious images enter the register? Were the individuals associated with these records genuinely registered?” he queried.

The former Kano State governor also questioned whether the identities associated with the entries were adequately verified and whether the alleged irregularities could have affected the accuracy of the voter register.

While acknowledging INEC’s decision to investigate the matter, Kwankwaso maintained that Nigerians deserved more than assurances, insisting that the investigation must be thorough, transparent and independent of the electoral commission’s internal processes.

He called for the findings of the investigation to be made public and for anyone found culpable to be held accountable in accordance with the law.

Kwankwaso further urged INEC to permit a comprehensive, independent audit of the preliminary voter register to identify and verify questionable entries, investigate possible duplicate or artificial identities, and correct any irregularities without disenfranchising eligible voters.

He stressed that the process of sanitising the register must not deprive qualified Nigerians of their constitutional right to participate in the electoral process.

“Our democracy cannot afford any compromise in the integrity of the voter register. Every eligible Nigerian must have the right to vote, and every vote must count,” he said.

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The NDC vice presidential candidate warned against the potential misuse of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to manipulate electoral records or weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

He argued that the credibility of the 2027 general elections would depend significantly on the integrity of the voter register, urging INEC to take decisive steps to address the concerns raised.

“The credibility of the 2027 elections begins with a credible voter register, and INEC must get its act together,” Kwankwaso added.

His comments come amid growing concerns over the integrity of electoral processes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the voter register expected to serve as a critical foundation for determining eligible voters and safeguarding the credibility of the polls.