The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched an investigation into allegations of unauthorized access to its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database following reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets.
The allegations relate to the publication of information concerning a candidate who participated in the recent primary election of a political party in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a statement issued on June 2, 2026, the Commission said it takes the matter seriously and has commenced a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
INEC explained that, as part of the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise, authorized registration officers were granted controlled access to specific sections of the CVR system to enable them register new voters, process transfer requests, and update voter records. According to the Commission, such access is strictly limited to official duties and is withdrawn at the end of the registration exercise.
The Commission disclosed that preliminary findings from its audit trail had enabled it to identify the user account through which the information was accessed. It added that relevant personnel had been questioned and that all departments connected to the incident were cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
According to INEC, investigations so far indicate that there was no external breach of the CVR database, no hacking incident, and no unauthorized access to its ICT infrastructure from outside the Commission. Rather, the information was reportedly accessed through valid user credentials assigned to personnel involved in the current CVR exercise and later released without authorization.
The Commission further clarified that the incident under investigation involved the retrieval of a specific voter record and did not compromise its wider voter registration system or the personal data of more than 90 million registered voters. It reiterated its commitment to protecting the security, confidentiality, and integrity of voter information across the country.
INEC also revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) has independently commenced an investigation into the matter. The Commission pledged full cooperation with security agencies and vowed to take appropriate legal action against anyone found responsible. It urged the public and media organizations to disregard speculation and await the outcome of the investigation. The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna.