The Independent National Electoral Commission has removed artificial intelligence-generated images discovered on the national voters’ register and identified officials in 10 states for disciplinary action over their involvement.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this on Wednesday during a webinar organised by the PUNCH Media Foundation.

The webinar was titled, ‘AI, Misinformation and Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Safeguarding the Truth, Protecting the Vote’.

Haruna described the use of AI-generated photographs in the voters’ register as a serious challenge, noting that the commission had already taken down images identified as manipulated.

He explained that while INEC might find it difficult to prevent members of the public from altering their photographs before uploading them, it had greater control over violations involving its employees.

The commissioner said officials found to have engaged in the practice had been flagged, with their identities established across about 10 states.

“We have their names across about 10 states, and obviously, they are going to face disciplinary action,” he stated.

Haruna also disclosed that INEC was developing a policy to guide the use of artificial intelligence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He acknowledged that regulating the technology remained challenging because its applications and potential risks were constantly evolving, even in technologically advanced countries.

According to him, the commission has outlined its proposed approach to AI and is working to finalise the policy, which would subsequently be made available to the public through the media.