The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Moses Paul, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to submit its preliminary Register of Voters for an independent forensic investigation following reports of alleged irregularities in Edo State.
Paul said the concerns emerging from Edo State were serious enough to warrant an independent examination, warning that the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process must not be compromised ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“INEC should submit their voter register to an independent forensic investigation. The news coming out from Edo State needs a forensic investigation,” he said.
His demand follows public controversy over suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs and discrepancies in voter registration figures in INEC’s preliminary register, which was published online on October 26, 2026.
One of the reported cases concerns a polling unit allegedly associated with Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, where registered voters reportedly increased from 397 in 2024 to 4,783 in the 2026 preliminary register. The figures have prompted calls for INEC to explain the apparent discrepancy. <Cite refs={["turn359147search0","turn359147search1"]}/>
INEC has acknowledged concerns over questionable photographs and registration records. The commission's Director of Information and Communication Technology, Lawrence Bayode, disclosed on November 2 that its Automated Biometric Identification System had flagged 268 records for suspected AI-generated photographs and other irregularities.
He explained that the commission was reviewing the affected records and removing those confirmed to be invalid, while distinguishing between genuine photographs enhanced with AI applications and entirely AI-generated images.
The electoral body has maintained that the online register is preliminary and does not reflect all the data-cleaning activities already underway. It says the verification and correction process will continue before the final register is certified on December 15, 2026.
Paul's demand adds to growing calls from political leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders for transparency in the handling of the voter register.
The Obidient Movement leader has argued that an independent forensic investigation would help establish the authenticity of questionable entries, determine how irregularities occurred and identify any possible weaknesses in the registration system.
While the reported discrepancies and suspicious photographs have not, by themselves, established electoral fraud, stakeholders say a transparent investigation and publication of its findings would be important in strengthening public confidence.
With preparations for the 2027 elections underway, the controversy has placed renewed attention on the accuracy, security and credibility of Nigeria's voter registration database.
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