The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun a full investigation into the unauthorised release of voter information from its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database.
The probe follows the public sharing of personal details belonging to a candidate who participated in a recent political party primary in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the commission is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness.
“The Commission takes this allegation seriously and has immediately commenced a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident,” the statement read.
INEC noted that authorised registration officers are granted limited, controlled access to parts of the CVR system during the ongoing nationwide exercise for tasks such as voter registration, transfers, and record updates.
This access is meant to be strictly for official duties and is withdrawn after the exercise ends.
Preliminary findings from the commission’s audit trail have reportedly identified the specific user account used to access the information.
Relevant personnel have already been questioned, and all involved units are cooperating with the investigation.
INEC said it is reviewing technical, administrative, and operational procedures to determine if any internal controls were breached.Importantly, the commission emphasised that there was no external hacking or breach of its systems.
The data was accessed using valid credentials assigned to CVR personnel but was allegedly released without authorisation.
“The incident under investigation relates to the retrieval of a specific voter record and does not indicate any compromise of the Commission’s broader voter registration infrastructure or the personal data of over 90 million registered voters,” the statement clarified.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding voter data and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. It also revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) has independently launched its own investigation into the matter.
The commission pledged full cooperation with security agencies and warned that anyone found culpable would face legal action.
The development stems from an earlier controversy involving Nollywood actor Emeka Ike, who contested (and lost) a House of Representatives primary in the FCT under the Nigerian Democratic Congress.
Media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, had shared screenshots appearing to come from INEC’s administrative portal showing Ike’s voter details, including his application number, VIN, registration centre, and photo. Ike has publicly condemned the action and threatened further steps.
INEC urged the public and media to avoid speculation while investigations continue, promising to release findings and any necessary actions in due course.
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