INEC Investigates Unauthorized Access to Voter Database

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced an investigation into unauthorized access to its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database, which has led to the leakage of personal information concerning candidates from recent political party primaries. INEC Chairman Mohan Kudu Haruna disclosed this on Tuesday, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations circulating on social media and mainstream press.

The commission has launched a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident. Preliminary findings from an audit trail indicate that the access was restricted to specific user accounts, and no external breach or hacking incident has been identified.

Instead, the investigation suggests that valid user credentials assigned to internal personnel were misused, leading to the unauthorized retrieval of a specific voter record. INEC has assured the public of its commitment to securing and protecting voter data, which includes approximately 90 million registered voters.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has also begun an independent investigation and will cooperate fully with INEC.