The matter gained national attention after information relating to a candidate in the recent political party primaries in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) surfaced online, with allegations and counter-allegations linking the disclosure to allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, particularly his spokesman, Lere Olayinka.
In an official statement issued on 2nd June 2026 by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), INEC confirmed that an investigation had commenced into what it described as the “alleged misuse of authorised access credentials and unauthorised disclosure of information” from the CVR database.
Importantly, the Commission stated that its preliminary findings showed there was no external hacking of INEC’s systems, no cyber breach of the Commission’s infrastructure, and no compromise of the broader voter database containing over 90 million registered voters.
Rather, INEC disclosed that the information was accessed using “valid user credentials assigned to personnel participating in the ongoing CVR exercise,” but that the information was subsequently released without proper authorisation.
According to the Commission, the audit trail from its internal systems has already identified the user account through which the information was accessed, and relevant personnel have been questioned as investigations continue.
The Commission clarified that authorised Registration Officers participating in the nationwide CVR exercise were granted controlled access strictly for official duties such as:
– registering new voters,
– processing transfers,
– and updating voter records.
INEC emphasized that such access is temporary, restricted, and subject to internal protocols.
The Commission also confirmed that the Department of State Services (DSS) has independently commenced investigations into the matter.
While INEC did not directly mention Lere Olayinka by name in its official statement, the timing and context of the release strongly connect the response to the growing political controversy surrounding the leaked voter information and its alleged public circulation.
The development raises wider concerns about:
– the management of sensitive voter data,
– internal access control systems,
– political misuse of institutional information,
– and the growing intersection between politics, technology, and electoral integrity in Nigeria.
For many observers, the incident may become a major test case regarding digital accountability within Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Commission, however, urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations remain ongoing, assuring Nigerians that anyone found culpable would face appropriate legal action.
Political analysts note that the matter could have implications far beyond the FCT primaries, especially as Nigeria gradually deepens its dependence on digital electoral systems and data-driven political operations.
As investigations continue, the incident is likely to intensify ongoing conversations around electoral transparency, cyber governance, institutional trust, and the protection of citizens’ personal data in Nigeria’s democracy.
— NNH Politics Now
