BREAKING: DSS Opens Investigation As INEC Uncovers Insider Role In Voter Information Leak

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According to report by Vanguard on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that an internal staff member is being investigated over the unauthorized release of voter information belonging to a candidate who participated in a recent political party primary election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission addressed widespread claims on social media and in some media outlets alleging that its voter registration database had been compromised.

According to INEC, preliminary findings from its internal audit indicate that there was no external cyberattack, hacking incident, or unauthorized access to its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems.

Instead, the voter information was accessed using legitimate login credentials assigned to personnel involved in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and was subsequently disclosed without authorization.

The commission explained that registration officers participating in the nationwide CVR exercise were granted restricted access to certain sections of the database solely for official purposes such as registering new voters, processing transfers, and updating voter records.

Investigators were able to identify the specific user account involved through the system’s audit trail.

INEC confirmed that the relevant officials have been questioned and that all departments connected to the incident are cooperating with ongoing investigations.

The commission is also reviewing its technical, administrative, and operational procedures to determine whether internal security protocols were breached and to establish individual responsibility.

Furthermore, INEC emphasized that only one voter record was affected and assured the public that the personal information of more than 90 million registered voters remains secure.

It maintained that the integrity of its voter registration infrastructure has not been compromised.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has also launched an independent investigation into the matter. INEC pledged full cooperation and stated that anyone found responsible would face prosecution.

The commission urged the public to avoid speculation and promised to release its final findings after investigations are completed.