Outrage spreads as fake computer faces and duplicate details appear on the official INEC online voter register in Nigeria.
A massive debate has broken out across Nigeria after concerned citizens found strange fake computer pictures and repeated names on the official Independent National Electoral Commission online voter list(INEC).
Ordinary people using the web portal noticed that many profile photos did not look like real human beings. Many of the pictures showed fake computer-made faces, while other profile entries shared the exact same name, picture, and national ID number under totally different voter numbers.
The widespread worry started when a web user named Decosule posted pictures taken from the electoral portal showing voter lists for Ward 11 in the Etsako West local government area of Edo State.
The pictures were linked to specific voting places like the Iyoku-Utukwe Afashio booth and the Ikabigbo primary school polling unit.
People looking at the computer pictures noticed that the faces looked like fake art made by modern phone apps rather than real photos of real citizens taken during normal voter registration.
“Dear INEC, can you explain why you have AI generated images on the INEC register in polling units in Ward 11, Etsako West LG, Edo State?” Decosule wrote on his social media page. “We want an explanation. Who infused AI generated images in the register? Who did the capturing? Who collected their PVCs if they have been collected? We want answers.”
As more citizens opened the portal to check their own voting centers, similar problems appeared in other areas like Esan Central in Edo State.
People quickly started asking how fake entries could exist inside an official database built with public money. Many expressed fear that such fake voter profiles could be used by dishonest people to cheat during future elections.
A social media user named Umeh expressed strong anger over what was seen on the computer system.
“They keep saying get your voter’s card, but behind the scenes they are working to make your votes invalid,” Umeh said. “Imagine an agency saddled with the responsibility of conducting free and fair elections having its head accused of supporting the ruling party, and now AI generated images and names on its website. Nigerians are not angry enough!”
Another social media user named Micfobiz called on electoral officials to speak out quickly. Micfobiz demanded an urgent explanation over the fake profile photos, calling the entries suspected ghost voters.
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In another reaction, a user named Felix said the online register had many double entries, explaining that some profiles had the same photos and identity numbers but different voting numbers. Felix warned that these mistakes could be used to increase vote numbers in a fake way.
Big public figures have also raised their voices against the situation. Professor Pat Utomi, a well-known leader and teacher, warned that the electoral body must protect the trust of the people.
“INEC cannot afford to be careless with the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process,” Professor Pat Utomi wrote. “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!”
Despite the heavy complaints and questions from the public, electoral officials have not yet issued an official reply to explain how these pictures got onto their website.
Members of the public, civil society groups, and voters across the country continue to ask the electoral body to clean up the voter database and prove that the voting process will be fair for everyone.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
