According to the commission, the investigation was triggered by allegations involving the release of a voter record in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) linked to a political party candidate, Emeka Ike.
In a statement, INEC clarified that preliminary findings indicate there was no external hacking or cyberattack on its information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure.
Rather, the voter information was reportedly accessed through valid user credentials and subsequently disclosed without proper authorization during the ongoing voter registration exercise.
The commission stressed that the incident was limited in scope and involved only a single voter record, adding that there is no evidence suggesting that the broader voter database was compromised.
INEC further reassured Nigerians that the integrity of its electoral data systems remains intact and that measures are being taken to identify those responsible for the unauthorized disclosure.
“The data was accessed using legitimate credentials, but its release was not authorized,” the commission noted, emphasizing that the matter is being treated seriously.
The electoral body also pledged to take appropriate disciplinary action against any personnel found culpable after the conclusion of the investigation.
The development highlights the growing importance of data governance, access control, and cybersecurity within critical national institutions, particularly as Nigeria continues efforts to strengthen public confidence in its electoral processes.
Industry observers note that while the absence of an external breach may offer some reassurance, insider-related risks remain a significant challenge for organizations managing sensitive personal information.
As the investigation continues, stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the outcome and any measures introduced by INEC to further safeguard voter data and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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