DSS Commences Investigation into Alleged Misuse of INEC Voter Registration Database

The Department of State Services (DSS) has, on its own accord, commenced an independent investigation into allegations of unauthorised access and disclosure of information from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database.

The development was disclosed in an official press statement issued by INEC on Tuesday, in which the Commission confirmed it is fully cooperating with the DSS and other relevant security agencies. INEC also stated it “will not hesitate to refer any person found culpable for appropriate legal action.”

The allegations, which have been circulating on social media and in sections of the media, centre on the alleged misuse of authorised access credentials by INEC personnel involved in the ongoing nationwide CVR exercise.

According to INEC, the information allegedly disclosed pertains to a specific voter record linked to a candidate in the recent primaries of a political party in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

INEC’s preliminary investigation has traced the access to a valid user account assigned to personnel participating in the CVR exercise.

The Commission stressed that there was no external breach, no hacking, and no compromise of its broader ICT infrastructure or the personal data of over 90 million registered voters.

Access to the CVR system, INEC explained, is strictly controlled and limited to official duties, with credentials withdrawn at the end of the exercise.

The Commission said it has already questioned relevant personnel and is examining all technical, administrative, and operational aspects of the incident to establish individual responsibility and any breach of internal protocols.

In its statement, INEC reiterated its commitment to the security, confidentiality, and integrity of voter data. It urged the public and the media to disregard unfounded speculations while investigations continue and promised to provide updates on its final findings and actions taken.

The DSS probe, initiated independently by the agency, adds a significant layer of scrutiny to the matter at a time when public confidence in the electoral process remains critical ahead of future polls.