Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched a full investigation into the alleged misuse of authorised access credentials and the unauthorised disclosure of a political candidate’s voter registration information, following reports that a candidate’s personal data from the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database was published online. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, June 2, 2026, the commission confirmed that it had identified the user account through which the information was accessed and that relevant personnel had been questioned. The Department of State Services (DSS) has also commenced an independent investigation into the matter.
According to INEC, the incident 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 commission stated that preliminary findings from its audit trail show that there was no external breach of the CVR database, no hacking incident, and no unauthorised external access to INEC’s 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.
INEC explained that as part of the ongoing CVR exercise nationwide, authorised registration officers are granted controlled access to specific components of the CVR system to enable them to register new applicants, process transfer requests and update voter records where necessary. Such access is restricted to official duties only and is withdrawn at the conclusion of the exercise. The commission is examining all technical, administrative and operational factors associated with the matter to establish individual responsibility and determine the circumstances surrounding the use of those credentials. The commission will then take appropriate action against anyone involved.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC). INEC urged members of the public and the media to disregard unfounded speculations while investigations remain ongoing, and promised to keep the public informed of its final findings and any measures taken in response to the incident. The commission reiterated its commitment to the security, confidentiality and integrity of voter data and pledged to refer any person found culpable for appropriate legal action.
The development comes amid heightened political tensions following the release of a candidate’s voter information on social media, which sparked concerns over data privacy and the security of INEC’s voter registration database. The commission’s swift response and the involvement of the DSS underscore the gravity with which authorities are treating the breach of electoral data. As investigations continue, the public awaits the outcome and any disciplinary or legal measures that may follow.
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