The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct an urgent, independent forensic audit of the preliminary voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections, following reports of suspected artificial intelligence-generated photographs, duplicate entries and questionable voter records.

The forum also condemned reported attacks on political figures, including Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, warning that political violence could undermine the credibility of the forthcoming elections.

The leaders made their position known in a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna as political activities intensify ahead of the 16 January 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the forum and Afenifere leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan; President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr Bitrus Pogu; President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Azuta-Mbata; and National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Ambassador Godknows Igali.

The forum expressed concern over alleged irregularities in the preliminary voters’ register, saying they had raised questions about INEC’s preparedness and the credibility of the electoral process.

“Our most urgent concern is the disturbing discovery of suspected Artificial Intelligence-generated photographs, duplicate entries and records reportedly belonging to unknown persons in the preliminary voters’ register published by the Independent National Electoral Commission,” the statement read.

Demand independent forensic audit

The leaders said the allegations had generated anxiety among Nigerians, stressing that the credibility of the voters’ register was fundamental to conducting free, fair and transparent elections.

They called for an independent forensic examination of the register by electoral technology experts, civil society organisations and other qualified stakeholders.

Beyond the audit, the forum urged INEC to demonstrate its readiness to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System effectively, protect election infrastructure, train electoral personnel adequately and ensure transparent collation and prompt publication of polling-unit results.

The leaders also urged the commission to learn from previous controversies surrounding electronic transmission of election results and take steps to restore public confidence.

“INEC must learn from previous controversies over its use of technology in result transmission and restore public trust,” the statement added.

Condemn attacks on Obi, Sowore

On political violence, the forum expressed alarm over reports and video footage of attacks on Obi in Makurdi and Calabar, as well as Sowore in Ekiti State.

It insisted that political affiliation should not expose candidates, supporters or other participants in democratic activities to violence or intimidation.

“Whatever their political affiliations, no candidate or supporter should face violence for participating in democratic activities,” the leaders said.

They called on security agencies to investigate the reported incidents impartially, identify those responsible and prosecute perpetrators and their sponsors wherever sufficient evidence was established.

The forum also condemned the destruction of campaign billboards, posters and other political materials, warning that such actions could heighten political tensions.

Warn judiciary against delays

The leaders further urged the judiciary and other electoral institutions to discharge their responsibilities independently and without unnecessary delays, particularly in disputes involving political party leadership and candidates’ eligibility.

They warned that prolonged uncertainty over such cases close to election day could deprive voters of meaningful choices and weaken confidence in the democratic process.

However, the forum clarified that it had not endorsed any presidential candidate or political party ahead of the 2027 elections.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the SMBLF has not adopted any presidential candidate or political party as the collective choice of the forum,” the statement said.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, credible and inclusive electoral process, insisting that every eligible Nigerian must be allowed to exercise their voting rights freely without coercion, inducement or fear.