The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched an investigation into the alleged misuse of authorised access credentials linked to its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission said the probe followed reports circulating on social media and in sections of the media alleging unauthorised access to its CVR system and the disclosure of information relating to a political party’s candidate, Emeka Ike, in the Federal Capital Territory.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
INEC said it had taken the matter seriously and had already initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The commission explained that as part of the ongoing CVR exercise, authorised registration officers were granted controlled access to specific components of the system strictly for official duties, including registering new voters, processing transfer requests, and updating voter records.
According to INEC, preliminary findings from its audit trail have identified the user account through which the information was accessed, with relevant personnel already questioned.
It, however, clarified that there was no external breach, hacking, or unauthorised access to its ICT infrastructure.
“Rather, the information in question was accessed through valid user credentials assigned to personnel participating in the ongoing CVR exercise but released without authority,” the commission stated.
INEC further noted that the incident involved the retrieval of a single voter record and did not compromise its broader database or the personal data of over 90 million registered voters.
The commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the security, confidentiality, and integrity of voter data, assuring the public that appropriate action would be taken against any individual found culpable.
INEC urged the public and media to disregard speculation while investigations are ongoing, adding that it would provide updates upon conclusion of the probe.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has commenced a separate investigation into the matter.
