By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has commenced a formal investigation into the alleged exposure of voter registration information linked to Nollywood actor and politician Emeka Ike, raising fresh concerns about the security of personal data within Nigeria’s electoral system.
The development follows public controversy surrounding the circulation of screenshots believed to contain details from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter registration database.
Speaking during a media engagement in Abuja, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, confirmed that both INEC officials and Emeka Ike had been contacted as part of the ongoing inquiry.
According to Olatunji, the commission considers the matter highly sensitive because of its potential implications for public trust in electoral institutions and the protection of citizens’ personal information.
The controversy erupted after political aide Lere Olayinka shared information relating to Ike’s voter registration status on social media. The post, which generated widespread reactions, reportedly included details such as voter identification records, registration information and other personal data linked to the actor and former House of Representatives candidate.
Many observers questioned how the information was obtained and whether there had been unauthorized access to INEC’s database.
INEC has since maintained that its voter registration system was not compromised by external hackers. The electoral body explained that the incident was linked to the misuse of legitimate internal access credentials rather than a cyberattack on its infrastructure.
Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities have reportedly questioned individuals connected to the release of the information as investigations continue.
Dr. Olatunji emphasized that the NDPC follows established procedures in handling privacy complaints and does not rely solely on reports circulating on social media before initiating action.
He noted that the commission evaluates each complaint based on factors such as the sensitivity of the information involved, the number of people affected and the potential impact on public confidence.
“The issue involving INEC is particularly important because it touches on the integrity of electoral records and citizens’ trust in public institutions,” he stated.
Beyond the current investigation, the NDPC disclosed that it is strengthening collaboration with INEC to improve data protection awareness among political parties ahead of future elections.
The commission expressed concern that many political organizations collect personal information from members and supporters without fully understanding their obligations under Nigeria’s data protection laws.
According to Olatunji, the NDPC has begun educational and compliance initiatives aimed at helping political parties adopt proper privacy safeguards and lawful data management practices.
He also revealed that the commission has expanded public awareness efforts by translating the Nigeria Data Protection Act into major Nigerian languages to make the law more accessible to citizens across the country.
The NDPC boss stressed that data protection remains a critical component of national security and democratic governance, especially as elections become increasingly dependent on technology and digital systems.
As investigations continue, stakeholders are awaiting the commission’s findings, which could shape future policies on electoral data security and strengthen safeguards for the personal information of millions of Nigerian voters.
