Abati Calls for Investigation into INEC Data Breach

Reuben Abati, a veteran journalist and former presidential aide, has urged an investigation into Lere Olayinka, an aide to Nyesom Wike, concerning the alleged unauthorized access to voter registration details from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This call for clarification arose during a segment on Arise Television, following the controversial release of voter registration information belonging to Nollywood actor Emeka Ik, who announced plans to contest for a House of Representatives seat in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Abati expressed serious concerns about the security of INEC's database, noting that the information was reportedly accessed through a password-protected backend system, which should not be available to unauthorized individuals. He emphasized that such access constitutes a major breach of privacy and potentially violates Nigeria's Data Protection Act and Cybercrime Act.

As of the report, neither Olayinka nor INEC had publicly responded to the call for clarification or investigation.