The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched an investigation into allegations of unauthorised access to information contained in its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database following reports circulating on social media and sections of the media concerning the disclosure of a voter record linked to a candidate who participated in a recent political party primary election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Key Highlights:
•INEC begins investigation into alleged misuse of Continuous Voter Registration database credentials.
•Commission identifies user account linked to the accessed information through audit trail.
•Preliminary findings indicate no hacking or external breach of INEC’s ICT infrastructure.
•Access was reportedly obtained using valid credentials assigned to authorised CVR personnel.
•DSS has commenced an independent investigation into the incident.
•INEC assures Nigerians that over 90 million voter records remain secure.
•Commission pledges appropriate sanctions against anyone found culpable.
In a statement issued by the Commission, INEC said it takes the allegations seriously and has commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident and determine whether any internal protocols were violated.
According to the electoral body, authorised Registration Officers participating in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise nationwide were granted controlled access to specific components of the CVR system to facilitate voter registration, transfer requests and updates of voter information.
INEC explained that such access is strictly limited to official duties and is withdrawn at the conclusion of the registration exercise.
Read Also:
- INEC declares 87% readiness for Enugu North Senatorial by-election, deploys materials to LGs
- Atiku warns Presidency, INEC, Judiciary against interference in ADC affairs
- INEC bows to pressure, approves more constituencies in Warri
Audit Trail Identifies User Account
The Commission disclosed that preliminary investigations have enabled it to identify the specific user account through which the information was accessed.
As part of the investigation process, relevant personnel connected to the account have been questioned, while various departments linked to the matter are cooperating fully with investigators.
INEC noted that it is currently reviewing all technical, administrative and operational aspects of the incident to establish individual responsibility and determine whether there was any breach of internal access-control procedures.
No External Breach of Continuous Voter Registration System
The Commission emphasized that findings from its audit trail do not indicate any cyberattack or compromise of its information technology infrastructure.
According to INEC, the information was accessed through valid user credentials assigned to personnel involved in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise and was subsequently released without authorisation.
“Preliminary findings from the Commission’s audit trail indicate that there was no external breach of the CVR database, no hacking incident, and no unauthorised external access to the Commission’s ICT infrastructure,” the statement said.
INEC further clarified that the incident involved the retrieval of a specific voter record and does not suggest any compromise of the broader voter registration database or the personal information of more than 90 million registered voters.
DSS Launches Independent Investigation
The Commission also revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) has independently commenced an investigation into the matter.
INEC said it would continue to cooperate fully with security agencies and would not hesitate to refer any individual found responsible for wrongdoing for appropriate legal action.
INEC Reaffirms Commitment to Data Protection
The electoral body reiterated its commitment to safeguarding voter information and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral processes.
INEC assured Nigerians that the security, confidentiality and integrity of voter data remain a top priority and pledged to keep the public informed about the outcome of the investigation.
The Commission also urged members of the public and media organisations to avoid speculation while investigations remain ongoing.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), on June 2, 2026.
