The Action Democratic Party, ADP, in Nigeria, says it is concerned over recent reports of irregularities in the voters’ register of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, particularly the alleged insertion of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated photographs into voter registration records.
According to the party, reported acknowledgement by INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology that some registration officers introduced AI-generated photographs into the system raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the Commission’s internal controls, technological safeguards and mechanisms for preventing electoral fraud.
In a statement issued by the ADP National Chairman, Mr Yabagi Sani stated that “While acknowledging INEC’s efforts to identify and correct irregularities in the preliminary register, ADP considers these revelations sufficiently serious to warrant an immediate, transparent and independently verifiable investigation.”
The ADP further stated that “The integrity of the voters’ register is the foundation of credible elections. Any compromise of that register threatens public confidence in the entire electoral process.”
Accordingly, “ADP calls on INEC to undertake the following urgent measures: Comprehensive forensic audit: Conduct an independent technical and forensic examination of the voters’ register to identify fictitious registrations, AI-generated photographs, duplicate records and other irregularities. “He noted.
He also stated that “verification provides political parties and relevant stakeholders with verifiable information on the extent of the irregularities, corrective measures undertaken and safeguards introduced to prevent recurrence, subject to applicable data protection requirements.”
“Technological integrity: Subject the Commission’s voter accreditation, results management and electronic transmission infrastructure to appropriate independent technical assessments before the elections,” he said.
Mr. Yabagi stated that “Operational preparedness publishes clear and measurable updates on election logistics, personnel training, deployment of sensitive materials, security arrangements and other critical preparations.”
“Stakeholder engagement: Strengthen consultations with political parties, civil society organisations, election observers and security agencies to promote transparency and confidence in the electoral process.
“The ADP wishes to emphasise that electoral credibility cannot be established through assurances alone. It must be demonstrated through transparency, institutional accountability and verifiable compliance with the Electoral Act and applicable regulations.” The National Chairman added,
He advised that as the forthcoming elections approach, INEC must address outstanding concerns arising from previous electoral exercises and ensure that technological innovations intended to strengthen electoral administration do not become vulnerabilities capable of undermining the democratic process.
