By Opeyemi Adelakun
The rights group wants the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to investigate suspected AI-generated photographs and questionable voter records.
It says the probe should determine whether personal data were unlawfully altered and identify those responsible.
SERAP gave the government seven days to act, warning it may pursue legal action.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to investigate suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs and other questionable records in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) preliminary register of voters.
In a letter dated October 31 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the NDPC to establish the nature and extent of the reported irregularities, determine whether personal data were compromised and identify those responsible.
The group said the investigation should also ensure that affected Nigerians can verify and correct their records without being unfairly excluded from the electoral process.
“The reported irregularities raise serious concerns about the security and integrity of Nigerians’ personal data and the reliability of the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections,” SERAP said.
The organisation called for an independent forensic examination of the affected database and systems, including an assessment of whether INEC complied with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
It also asked the NDPC to determine whether the incidents amount to a personal data breach under the law and whether applicable notification and record-keeping requirements were met.
SERAP said the commission should publish its findings and recommendations, subject to lawful protections, and require corrective measures where violations are established.
The group gave the government seven days from receipt or publication of its letter to take the requested steps, warning that it would consider legal action and other lawful measures if there was no response.
INEC acknowledges questionable records
SERAP’s request follows INEC’s acknowledgement of public concerns over suspected AI-generated photographs in the preliminary register published on its website.
According to SERAP, INEC said questionable registration records were identified and flagged during the nationwide display of the register from October 9 to 15. The commission reportedly said it had begun a review and was taking corrective action.
INEC also said the online register did not reflect all ongoing data-cleanup activities and that it was examining the circumstances surrounding the suspicious photographs, including possible technical or procedural lapses.
The commission has said the preliminary register is not the final certified register and that verification and data-cleanup processes would be completed before certification on December 15, 2026.
SERAP said an internal review by INEC should not replace an independent investigation by the NDPC, particularly because the voter database contains the personal information of millions of Nigerians.
The organisation warned that any unlawful alteration or compromise of voter information could undermine confidence in the electoral process and expose eligible voters to wrongful exclusion.
It said the accuracy and security of the register were essential to protecting Nigerians’ privacy and their right to participate in public affairs.
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