INEC Probes Unauthorised Access, Disclosure of Information from CVR Database

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched a thorough investigation into allegations of unauthorized access to its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database and the subsequent publication of a candidate's information. The probe was initiated after Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, shared personal data belonging to Nollywood actor Emeka Ike, which originated from the commission's portal.

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The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been drawn to allegations currently circulating on social media and in some sections of the media regarding the alleged unauthorised access to the Commission’s Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database and the subsequent publication of information on a candidate in the recent primaries of a political party in the Federal Capital Territory.

Emeka Ike, who contested for a House of Representatives seat in the Federal Capital Territory, has threatened legal action against Olayinka for sharing his voter information via an INEC administrative webpage. In response to the allegations, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, issued a statement emphasizing that the commission takes the matter seriously. He confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway to establish the facts.

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The Commission takes this allegation seriously and has immediately commenced a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

INEC clarified that authorized registration officers are granted controlled access to specific parts of the CVR system solely for official purposes, such as registering new applicants or updating records. This access is withdrawn upon completion of their duties. Haruna stressed that preliminary investigations have already identified the user account through which the information was accessed, and relevant personnel are cooperating fully.

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As part of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise nationwide, authorised INEC Registration Officers were granted controlled access to specific components of the CVR system to enable them register new applicants, process requests for transfer of registration and update voter records where necessary.

The commission is examining all technical, administrative, and operational factors to determine individual responsibility and the circumstances surrounding the use of credentials. INEC maintains that there has been no external breach or hacking incident involving the CVR database. The commission is committed to taking appropriate action against anyone found to have violated internal access-control protocols.

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Such access is restricted to official duties only and is withdrawn at the conclusion of the exercise.