The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified investigations into an alleged voter data leak after preliminary findings traced the unauthorised access to a user account within the commission’s system, prompting the Department of State Services (DSS) to join the probe as authorities seek to determine how sensitive voter information was accessed and disclosed.
The controversy emerged following the circulation of information relating to a candidate who participated in a recent political party primary election in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to INEC, allegations surfaced on social media and in sections of the media claiming that unauthorised persons had gained access to the commission’s Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database and extracted sensitive information. Reacting to the reports, the commission said it immediately commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any breach of its systems had occurred.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the commission was treating the matter with utmost seriousness because of the implications for electoral integrity and public confidence.
A key development in the investigation came from INEC’s preliminary audit findings. According to the commission, digital audit trails generated during the probe enabled investigators to identify the specific user account through which the information was accessed.
The discovery shifted attention toward the possibility of an insider-linked voter data leak, rather than an external cyberattack on the commission’s database. INEC disclosed that personnel connected to the account had already been questioned and that relevant departments were cooperating fully with investigators.
“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 commission stated.
Given the sensitivity of the matter, security agencies have reportedly become involved in the investigation. The Department of State Services has joined efforts to uncover the source of the alleged voter data leak, establish whether criminal misconduct occurred, and identify all individuals who may have been involved.
The involvement of the DSS underscores growing concerns about the protection of electoral data and the potential consequences of unauthorised access to voter information. Security officials are expected to conduct forensic examinations of digital records, access logs and internal system controls as part of the investigation.
INEC explained that authorised registration officers are granted controlled access to specific sections of the CVR platform during voter registration exercises. The commission said such access is provided strictly for official duties, including voter registration, transfer requests and updates to voter records.
According to INEC, user privileges are carefully managed and withdrawn once registration activities are completed. The commission stressed that its investigation is focused on determining whether authorised access was abused in a manner that resulted in the alleged voter data leak.
The incident has renewed debate about the protection of voter information and cybersecurity within electoral institutions. Election experts have long argued that maintaining public trust requires strong safeguards against unauthorised disclosure of personal information contained in voter registration databases.
The latest allegations come at a critical period as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum. Observers say the outcome of the investigation will be closely monitored because it could influence public confidence in the management of electoral records and digital infrastructure.
INEC has assured Nigerians that the investigation will be thorough and transparent. The commission reiterated its commitment to protecting voter information and holding accountable anyone found responsible for compromising the integrity of its systems.
Officials also indicated that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses and more facts become available. For now, attention remains focused on the ongoing probe into the alleged voter data leak and the role of the insider account identified through the commission’s audit process.
