The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has petitioned President Bola Tinubu to order an urgent, independent investigation into suspected manipulation of the preliminary Register of Voters published by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a letter to the President, SERAP urged him to direct Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, to “promptly, thoroughly, independently and effectively investigate” the reported introduction of suspected artificial intelligence, AI-generated photographs, alleged alterations to personal data and other questionable records in the register.
The rights group said its intervention follows INEC’s publication of the preliminary register and its subsequent acknowledgement of suspected AI-generated photographs and questionable records discovered during the nationwide display exercise held from October 9 to 15, 2026.
According to SERAP, the NDPC must establish the nature and extent of the irregularities, determine whether any personal data breach has occurred under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, identify those responsible, and ensure that affected Nigerians can verify and correct their records without being unfairly excluded from the electoral process.
The organisation warned that the reported anomalies raise serious concerns about the security and integrity of Nigerians’ personal data and the credibility of the voter register, less than a year to the general elections.
“The security and accuracy of the voter register are fundamental to the protection of Nigerians’ personal data and their right to participate in public affairs,” SERAP stated.
“Nigerians should not have to worry that their personal information could be altered, manipulated or accessed without proper safeguards.”
It added that INEC’s own admission of questionable records makes an independent probe inevitable.
“INEC’s acknowledgement of questionable records and suspected AI-generated photographs makes an independent investigation particularly important. The public needs to know what happened, whether the law was breached and what measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence,” the group said.
SERAP said failure to investigate the allegations would undermine public confidence in the electoral process and violate the Data Protection Act.
