INEC Defends Voter Information in Emeka Ike's N10bn Suit

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented its case in the Federal High Court in Abuja regarding a N10bn fundamental rights suit filed by Nollywood actor and House of Representatives aspirant Emeka Ike. INEC argued that the voter information in question is not classified or confidential, as it is published in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026.

The commission's Assistant Director and Data Protection Officer, Anthonia Makwe, stated that INEC is constitutionally empowered to make voter information public without needing consent from registered voters. Emeka Ike's suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1272/2026, alleges a breach of his right to privacy due to the publication of his voter registration details by Lere Olayinka, a media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Ike seeks N10bn in damages, claiming the publication violated his privacy rights. Olayinka countered that the information was public and that Ike, as a public figure, cannot claim trauma from information he voluntarily submitted.

The trial judge adjourned the proceedings until October 12, 2026.