INEC Denies Database Breach, Launches Probe into Unauthorized Access to Voter Record

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reassured Nigerians that its voter registration database remains secure following reports concerning the unauthorized release of a voter record.

According to the Commission, preliminary investigations revealed that the information in question was accessed using valid user credentials assigned to personnel participating in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

INEC explained that officials involved in the CVR process are granted temporary access to the registration system strictly for official duties, including registering new applicants, processing transfer requests, and updating voter records where necessary. Such access, the Commission noted, is withdrawn upon the completion of the exercise.

The Commission disclosed that its audit trail enabled investigators to identify the specific user account through which the information was accessed. As a result, relevant personnel have been questioned, while all departments connected to the incident are cooperating fully with ongoing investigations.

INEC further stated that it is examining the technical, administrative, and operational circumstances surrounding the matter to determine responsibility and establish whether any internal access-control protocols were violated.

Importantly, the Commission emphasized that its preliminary findings show no evidence of external hacking, cyber intrusion, or unauthorized access by outside actors.

According to INEC, the incident involved the retrieval of a specific voter record through legitimate internal credentials and does not indicate any compromise of the broader voter registration infrastructure or the personal data of more than 90 million registered voters.

The electoral body reiterated its commitment to maintaining the security, confidentiality, and integrity of voter information, assuring Nigerians that appropriate action will be taken against anyone found culpable following the conclusion of investigations.

INEC added that safeguarding public trust in the electoral process remains a top priority and pledged to strengthen existing safeguards where necessary to prevent future occurrences.