INEC Defends Voter Information Disclosure in Court

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented its case in the Federal High Court in Abuja regarding a N10 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Nollywood actor Emeka Ike. Ike's suit arose from the publication of his voter registration details on social media by Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Ike claimed this disclosure violated his constitutional right to privacy. INEC countered that the information is public under the Electoral Act 2026, asserting its legal authority to compile and publish the voters' register without individual consent.

The commission's position was articulated in a counter-affidavit by Anthonia Makwe, an Assistant Director and Data Protection Officer. Ike's counsel, Leonard Adeh, sought a court declaration that the publication breached his privacy rights.

Olayinka, through his lawyer Akpama Ekwe, defended the publication, stating the information was already public and did not breach confidentiality. He argued that candidates for public office cannot claim emotional distress from information disclosed during the electoral process.