…NDC vice-presidential candidate questions identity verification, seeks probe outside INEC
NIGERIA: Rabiu Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for an independent investigation and comprehensive audit of Nigeria’s preliminary voter register following reports of suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs and questionable records.
Kwankwaso questioned how the suspected images found their way into the register released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), raising concerns about the verification of identities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He acknowledged INEC’s decision to investigate the matter but insisted that the exercise must be transparent and independent of the commission’s internal processes, with its findings made public.
In a statement posted on his X handle, the former Kano State governor said the allegations raised serious questions about the integrity of the voter registration system and the safeguards designed to protect the credibility of future elections.
“With the 2027 elections approaching, INEC must provide Nigerians with clear and convincing answers,” he said.
Kwankwaso questioned how the suspicious images entered the register, whether the individuals linked to the records had genuinely registered and whether their identities were properly verified.
He also asked whether the alleged irregularities could have affected the accuracy of the preliminary register.
While welcoming INEC’s decision to investigate, he said Nigerians deserved more than assurances, urging the commission to ensure that the process was thorough, transparent and conducted independently of its internal affairs.
He called for a comprehensive audit of the preliminary register to identify questionable entries, investigate possible duplicate registrations and detect artificial identities.
According to him, the exercise must also ensure that eligible Nigerians are not disenfranchised in the process of correcting any irregularities.
“Our democracy cannot afford any compromise in the integrity of the voter register. Every eligible Nigerian must have the right to vote, and every vote must count,” Kwankwaso said.
He warned against the potential misuse of technology, including artificial intelligence, to undermine the electoral system, stressing that the credibility of the 2027 elections depended partly on the integrity of the voter register.
“The credibility of the 2027 elections begins with a credible voter register, and INEC must get its act together,” he added.
