The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded an independent investigation into suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs in the preliminary voters’ register, warning that unresolved irregularities could undermine confidence in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the group challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain how the photographs entered the database, who was responsible for the disputed registrations and whether the individuals involved collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
HURIWA urged INEC to trace the records, establish whether the anomalies resulted from technical failures or deliberate misconduct, and publish its findings transparently.
“INEC cannot expect Nigerians to accept assurances as a substitute for accountability,” the association said, demanding that credible civil society organisations be allowed to monitor the investigation.
INEC had explained that the preliminary register uploaded online on October 26, 2026, was the same register displayed physically at Registration Areas nationwide and did not reflect ongoing data-cleaning activities. It said questionable records had been flagged for further examination.
However, HURIWA insisted that the explanation did not remove the need for an independent probe and correction of all confirmed irregularities before certification of the final register.
The group also urged political parties to engage cybersecurity professionals, artificial intelligence specialists and data analysts to identify suspicious photographs, duplicate identities and unauthorised changes to voter information.
It further called on INEC to investigate complaints about missing names and duplicate records while protecting eligible voters from wrongful exclusion.
HURIWA warned that the commission must demonstrate the integrity of the voters’ register through verifiable evidence, transparency and accountability ahead of the 2027 elections.