Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
The Independent National Electoral Commission has issued a public alert distancing itself from a fraudulent website circulating online under the title “INEC VOTERS CARD ONLINE REGISTRATION,” warning Nigerians not to engage with the platform or submit personal data through it.
In an official notice, the Commission clarified that it did not originate, approve, or endorse the web link being widely shared through social media and messaging platforms. The link, formatted through a shortened URL structure, falsely claims to offer online registration services for Permanent Voter Cards and other electoral updates.
INEC described the site as fake and misleading, cautioning that it poses potential risks to personal data security. The Commission stressed that any platform not formally announced through its verified communication channels should be treated as suspicious.
For clarity, INEC reiterated that the only authorised portal for Continuous Voter Registration services remains its official CVR website. The approved platform provides services including updating existing voter registration details, transferring voter registration to a different polling unit, replacing lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards, and locating designated registration centres for first-time applicants.
Officials emphasised that all legitimate voter registration services are routed exclusively through the Commission’s official portal and physical registration centres. Any alternative website requesting personal information under the guise of voter card registration should be regarded as fraudulent.
The warning comes amid heightened public interest in voter registration activities and increased digital engagement ahead of future electoral exercises. Electoral management bodies globally have reported growing instances of phishing attempts and impersonation websites designed to harvest sensitive personal data such as names, addresses, dates of birth, and national identification details.
Cybersecurity analysts note that shortened URLs, similar to the one flagged in this instance, are commonly used in online scams to obscure the true destination of a web link. This tactic prevents users from immediately verifying the authenticity of the web address before clicking.
INEC urged citizens to remain vigilant against misinformation and to verify electoral information directly through its official communication platforms. The Commission encouraged Nigerians to consult its verified website and established social media accounts for accurate updates regarding voter registration timelines and procedures.
The Commission also provided dedicated telephone lines for enquiries and clarification, advising members of the public to seek confirmation before responding to online requests for personal data related to voter registration.
Electoral integrity experts underscore that safeguarding voter data is a critical component of maintaining public trust in democratic institutions. Unauthorized data collection not only exposes individuals to identity theft but can also undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Nigeria has undertaken progressive digital integration in its electoral administration in recent years, including biometric voter registration systems and electronic result transmission mechanisms. While these advancements enhance transparency and operational efficiency, they also increase exposure to cyber-related threats.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the voter registration system and preventing unauthorized manipulation of electoral processes. Officials stated that investigations into the origin of the fake website may involve collaboration with cybersecurity agencies to identify those responsible.
The Commission concluded by advising Nigerians to disregard the fraudulent link entirely and to avoid sharing it further to prevent its spread. Citizens were reminded that responsible information sharing plays a role in preventing digital scams and protecting the broader public from exploitation.
As preparations for upcoming electoral activities continue, authorities say vigilance and public awareness remain essential safeguards against online deception targeting democratic processes.
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