Digital Rights Group Sues INEC Over Privacy Policy Issue

The Incorporate Trustees Digital Rights Lawyer has initiated a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, due to INEC's alleged failure to publish a privacy policy on its official website (http://wp1.inecnigeria.org). The suit, numbered FHC/YNG/CS/148/2026, argues that INEC's omission violates Section 24(1) of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, which mandates data controllers to provide transparent information regarding the processing of personal data.

The claimants, represented by Solomon Etisang and counsel Dr. Olumid Babalola, assert that the absence of a publicly accessible privacy policy raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability regarding the management of citizens' personal data.

The suit seeks a court declaration that INEC's failure constitutes a breach of its statutory obligations under the NDPA and requests an order for INEC to publish a comprehensive privacy policy within seven days. The case reflects growing public interest in enforcing data protection rights in Nigeria.