INEC Investigates Unauthorized Access to Voter Data
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into claims of unauthorized access to its Continuing Voter Registration (CVR) database. This inquiry follows the alleged public disclosure of information related to candidates from recent political primaries in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The controversy began when Lele Olinka, a media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, shared personal data pertaining to Nollywood actor Emeka Ike from the INEC portal. In response to this breach, Ike has threatened legal action against Olinka, asserting that voters’ information was improperly disclosed through the INEC’s administrative platform.
Emeka Ike, who contested but lost the House of Representatives seat for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency representing the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has raised significant concerns about the confidentiality of voter data in the wake of these revelations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mohammed Haruna, the National Chairman of INEC and head of the Information and Voter Education Committee, acknowledged that the allegations circulating across various media platforms warranted immediate attention. He affirmed that INEC has embarked on a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident.
Haruna clarified that authorized INEC personnel engaged in the ongoing CVR exercise have been granted limited access to specific components of the system. This access facilitates the registration of new applicants, processing transfer requests, and updating voter information. However, he assured that this access is strictly for official purposes and will be revoked upon the exercise’s completion.
Preliminary audits have allowed the commission to pinpoint the user accounts responsible for accessing the contentious information. Those implicated are currently under investigation, and all parties involved are cooperating fully with the inquiry.
Haruna further emphasized the comprehensive nature of the investigation, which aims to examine technical, administrative, and operational factors to establish accountability among those involved. Notably, initial findings indicate no external breaches or hacking attempts on the CVR database; rather, the contentious data was accessed using valid credentials by personnel implicated in the CVR exercise.
The commission reiterated that the integrity and confidentiality of voter data, affecting over 90 million registered individuals, remain uncompromised. INEC reaffirms its commitment to transparency, institutional integrity, and the protection of personal information. Additionally, the Department of State Services (DSS) has independently initiated its investigation into the matter.
Haruna concluded by assuring the public that INEC will remain cooperative with relevant security agencies and will not hesitate to pursue legal action against any individuals found culpable in this incident. The commission urges the public and media to refrain from unfounded speculation as the investigation unfolds, promising to keep stakeholders informed about its findings and subsequent measures.
