INEC Probes Leak of Voter Data Involving Wike’s Aide After Emeka Ike Registration Controversy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched an investigation into the alleged leak of voter data involving Lere Olayinka, the media aide to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The controversy erupted after Olayinka posted on his X handle that Nollywood actor Emeka Ike, who is seeking the House of Representatives seat for AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency under the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), was previously registered in Imo State before transferring his registration to the FCT on May 15.

Olayinka attached two images to the post, which social media users said contained details obtained from INEC’s administrative login portal, including Ike’s application number, registration centre, Voter Identification Number (VIN), profile picture, and date of application.

In a statement on Tuesday, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the aide did not have direct access but obtained the information through people who had such access.

“The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been drawn to allegations regarding the alleged unauthorised access to the Commission’s Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database and the subsequent publication of information on a candidate in the recent primaries of a political party in the FCT,” Haruna said.

Ike has described the leak as shocking and an indication of extreme political misconduct, stating he is prepared to take legal action.

Sources: Daily Trust, Daily Post