By Progress Godfrey

ABUJA – The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) said it has opened an investigation into an alleged leak of voter information involving Nollywood actor and politician, Emeka Ike, in a case that has raised fresh concerns over electoral data security and privacy protection in Nigeria.

The commission said it has already engaged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the actor as part of its ongoing probe into the incident, stressing that the matter is being treated with urgency due to its implications for public trust and electoral integrity.

The development follows controversy over the alleged publication of Ike’s voter registration details by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory on Information, Lere Olayinka.

Ike, who contested the House of Representatives seat for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency under the Nigerian Democratic Congress, lost the election. Controversy emerged after Olayinka shared what appeared to be voter data accessed from an INEC administrative interface, triggering concerns over possible unauthorised exposure of sensitive personal information.

The post included claims about Ike’s voter registration transfer and eligibility, alongside screenshots said to contain details such as application number, registration centre, voter identification number and personal profile information.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, during a media parley on Friday, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, confirmed that investigations had commenced and relevant parties had been engaged.

He added that the commission treats all reported breaches with seriousness, particularly those involving public institutions and sensitive national systems.

“Emeka Ike is downstairs now. INEC, they were here last week, and they were here this week again. The one of INEC is really sensitive because we are moving towards elections. And it speaks to the credibility of the database. It’s of utmost urgency, and we are moving immediately,” he said.

Olatunji explained that the NDPC does not act based on social media reports alone but follows structured procedures in handling complaints, ensuring that investigations are evidence driven and carefully assessed.

He said the commission evaluates cases based on factors such as sensitivity of data, number of people affected and likely impact on data subjects before determining its response.

“We have to assess it, look at the veracity of the claim, look at the impact on data subjects, how many of them, look at the sensitivity of the case and the likely outcome. That is how we prioritise,” he said.

The NDPC boss added that the commission investigates all reported breaches regardless of the institution or individuals involved, and has moved towards focusing on remediation and compliance rather than immediate sanctions.

He also disclosed that the commission is working with INEC to improve data protection awareness among political parties, noting that many collect large volumes of personal information without adequate safeguards.