INEC Flags 268 Voter Records Over AI-Generated Photos, Begins Cleanup Ahead of 2027 Elections

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the removal of questionable records from Nigeria’s preliminary Register of Voters after its biometric verification system flagged 268 entries over suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs and other irregularities.

The development comes amid growing public concerns over the credibility of the voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the discovery of suspicious photographs, duplicate registrations and names of deceased persons in the preliminary database.

INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Lawrence Bayode, disclosed the development during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, explaining that the commission’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) had identified 268 records requiring further examination.

Bayode said the commission had begun reviewing the affected entries and removing those confirmed to be irregular.

He also explained that some registration officers allegedly exploited their authorised access to introduce questionable records into the database.

According to him, some of the irregularities involved the misuse of a special registration option designed for persons with disabilities who have incomplete or missing fingers.

However, the INEC official clarified that not every photograph enhanced with artificial intelligence would lead to the exclusion of the affected voter.

He distinguished between genuine photographs improved with AI-powered applications on mobile phones and images generated entirely by artificial intelligence, stressing that only confirmed fraudulent images would be removed.

The controversy followed INEC’s publication of its preliminary Register of Voters online on October 26, which triggered public outrage after screenshots showing suspicious photographs and other questionable entries circulated on social media.

Some of the disputed records reportedly included entries from parts of Edo State, prompting questions about the commission’s registration and verification procedures.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, subsequently confirmed that the commission was examining the questionable records and would take corrective action based on verified findings.

The commission has maintained that the preliminary register is not the final certified document, explaining that the verification and public scrutiny exercises are intended to identify inaccuracies and irregularities before certification.

INEC has scheduled December 15, 2026, for the certification of the final Register of Voters after completing the necessary verification, adjudication and data-cleanup processes.

The commission has also encouraged Nigerians to participate in scrutinising the register and report suspicious entries to help safeguard the credibility of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Flags 268 Voter Records Over AI-Generated Photos, Begins Cleanup Ahead of 2027 Elections

Ex-CSU Lecturer Reopens Tinubu’s Certificate Controversy, Says President Never Attended University

A fresh controversy has emerged over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s educational background after a former lecturer at Chicago State University (CSU), Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, claimed that the Nigerian leader never attended the American institution.

Pearse made the allegation during an interview on News Central Television on Sunday, November 8, 2026, insisting that he had personal knowledge of the university’s academic programme and Tinubu’s alleged attendance.

The former lecturer, who said he worked at Chicago State University between 1985 and 1990, claimed he was the director of the programme Tinubu reportedly attended.

According to him, he was familiar with the institution’s records and maintained that the President never enrolled there.

“The fact of the matter is, I know he never attended Chicago State University. He knows that I know. So the man (Mr Tinubu) has no integrity,” Pearse said.

He also questioned the educational institutions Tinubu listed in documents submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), arguing that the President had identified schools he allegedly never attended.

Pearse further claimed that he was approached in 1999 by individuals seeking information about Tinubu’s academic records when the late Funsho Williams was reportedly making inquiries into the matter.

The allegation has reopened public debate over Tinubu’s educational qualifications, which generated considerable controversy during the 2023 presidential election and subsequent legal proceedings.

However, Pearse’s assertion contradicts Chicago State University’s official position. In September 2023, the institution confirmed that Tinubu attended the university and graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree.

The university subsequently released academic records following legal proceedings initiated in the United States by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

The records indicated that Tinubu attended the institution between August 1977 and June 1979 and was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

Although questions were raised during the legal proceedings about the authenticity of the particular diploma submitted to INEC, Chicago State University maintained that its records confirmed Tinubu’s attendance and graduation.

Pearse’s latest comments therefore introduce a fresh personal challenge to the university’s previously stated position, although his assertion does not, on its own, invalidate the institution’s official records.

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had yet to publicly respond to the latest allegations, according to reports on the interview.

The renewed controversy is likely to attract further political attention as Nigerians continue to debate questions surrounding transparency, public accountability and the President’s educational background.

Ex-CSU Lecturer Reopens Tinubu’s Certificate Controversy, Says President Never Attended University

One Killed, Five Injured as Violence Disrupts Obi-Kwankwaso Rally in Delta

One person has been killed and five others injured following a violent clash that disrupted a political procession organised by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in Asaba, Delta State.

The incident occurred at about 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, along Nnebisi Road, during a one-million-man march organised by supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the casualties, disclosing that the identities of the deceased and injured persons had yet to be established as investigations commenced.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the command said it had received intelligence indicating the possibility of violence ahead of the procession.

According to the police, organisers of the rally were invited to a security meeting, where they were briefed about the identified threats and advised against holding an open-road procession.

The command said the organisers were encouraged to conduct their political activities at a designated venue where adequate security arrangements could be provided.

However, the police alleged that the organisers ignored the advice and proceeded with the procession.

READ ALSO:

• ‘Stop Blaming Us’, APC Tells Atiku, ADC Over Court Judgment
• Atiku to Tinubu: You Cannot Use Courts to Escape Nigerians’ Verdict
• University Funding Crisis: States Beg FG to Take Over Cash-Strapped Institutions

Following a distress call, police operatives were deployed to the scene and evacuated the injured victims to hospital for medical attention.

Security was subsequently reinforced in the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible.

Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the incident and reiterated that political parties were free to conduct lawful campaigns and other political activities across the state.

He, however, urged political parties and their supporters to avoid road processions in the interest of public safety and liaise with the police ahead of political gatherings to facilitate adequate security arrangements.

The command also appealed to members of the public with useful information about the incident to contact the police through 09155570008 or 09155570007.

Meanwhile, the NDC has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being behind the attack, alleging that the incident was an attempt to intimidate opposition supporters and disrupt its political activities.

Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and NDC senatorial candidate for Delta North, Victor Ochei, called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to order an immediate investigation and ensure that those responsible were arrested and prosecuted.

Ochei alleged that more than 30 campaign buses were destroyed during the attack, accusing suspected attackers of being mobilised by individuals allegedly connected to the ruling party.

However, Delta APC spokesperson, Valentine Onojeghghuo, dismissed the allegation, insisting that the NDC had provided no evidence linking APC members to the incident.

He described the accusation as baseless and urged the opposition party to embrace peaceful political engagement.

The Delta State Coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, Favour Emerue, also alleged that the gathering was peaceful before suspected hoodlums disrupted the procession, leaving some participants injured.

In a separate reaction, Peter Obi condemned the reported attacks on his supporters and NDC members in Delta State, calling on the state government and security agencies to investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice.

The latest violence has renewed concerns about the safety of political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The police have assured residents that a thorough and impartial investigation will be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the clash and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.

One Killed, Five Injured as Violence Disrupts Obi-Kwankwaso Rally in Delta