Amanze Chinonye
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has launched a full-scale investigation into allegations of unauthorised access to its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database, following reports circulating on social media suggesting the exposure of voter information linked to a political party candidate in recent Federal Capital Territory primaries.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said it had commenced internal audits and interrogations immediately after becoming aware of the incident.
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INEC stated that preliminary findings from its audit trail indicate there was no external breach or hacking of its systems. Rather, the affected data was allegedly accessed using valid credentials issued to authorised personnel involved in the ongoing CVR exercise.
According to the Commission, access granted to registration officers is strictly controlled and limited to official duties such as new voter enrolment, record updates, and transfer processing, and is withdrawn upon completion of the exercise.
“The audit trail from the preliminary investigation has enabled the Commission to identify the user account through which the information was accessed. Accordingly, relevant personnel have been questioned, and all units connected with the incident are cooperating fully with the investigation,” the statement said.
INEC further clarified that the matter appears to involve the retrieval of a specific voter record and does not indicate any compromise of the broader voter registration infrastructure or the personal data of more than 90 million registered voters.
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The Commission added that it is reviewing technical, administrative, and operational procedures to determine how internal access-control protocols may have been breached and to establish individual responsibility.
INEC also confirmed that the Department of State Services (DSS) has commenced a parallel investigation into the matter, adding that the electoral body is cooperating with security agencies.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding voter data, stressing that it treats the confidentiality and integrity of electoral information as a priority and will not hesitate to apply sanctions where wrongdoing is established.
It urged the public and the media to avoid speculation while investigations continue, assuring that further updates will be provided once findings are concluded.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
