The Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] has been called upon to explain how Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT minister Nyesom Wike gained access to the backend server of the electoral umpire.
Nigrrians have expressed concerns over data security at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike exposed confidential voter details belonging to actor Emeka Ike while attempting to mock his political ambitions over the weekend.
Olayinka, in a post on X revealed Emeka Ike’s exact voter registration details, including his application number, polling unit transfer history, and Voter’s Identification Number
The exposure of the backend page has sparked outrage among Nigerians and civil rights advocates. Prominent voices, such as journalist Dr. Reuben Abati and public figures like Oluwakayode Ogundamisi, have raised alarms regarding data privacy and the integrity of the electoral system.
Critics and public commentators are demanding that the Department of State Services (DSS) and INEC investigate how an unauthorized political aide gained access to sensitive, password-protected administrative databases.
“They should immediately investigate Lere Olayinka to determine how he gained access to the backend server of the INEC portal. Lere Olayinka must also publicly explain the means by which he assessed the system. Failure to provide a clear and satisfactory explanation should compel INEC to grant equal access to the backend server to all Nigerians, as selective access raises serious concerns about the integrity and transparency of the electoral process,
Dr Ruben Abati said Arise TV.
Dear @inecnigeria,
Can you please explain how @OlayinkaLere was able to access the backend of what is supposed to be a secure portal available only to authorized staff of your Independent National Electoral Commission?
This is a serious matter that raises concerns about the integrity and security of the system. It should not be swept under the carpet, and the public deserves a clear explanation, Kayode Ogundamisi wrote on X.
Other users on X also expressed outraged over the matter and concluded that INEC is already compromised ahead the 2027 election.
NEFERTITI @firstladyship wrote,
INEC gave the APC the login to their database.
Wike’s assistant has revealed how they shut down the IREV. They are running INEC at the backend. Joash Amupitan is compromised!
Any result he declares will be REJECTED!
INEC will set Nigeria on fire. Mallam El-Rufai is in detention. He was arrested for allegedly tapping the cell phone of the NSA. Wike’s assistant has committed a much heavier crime.
Lere Olayinka has compromised INEC server, another Nigerian wrote.
If Lere is not immediately picked up by the DSS for publishing a classified information, then Nigerians will take it that INEC is working for the APC. In the meantime, Professor Joash Amupitan MUST tender his resignation.
This is the second time he has been caught showing his partisanship & obvious bias. Amupitan is in close association with the APC.
INEC is far from independent. Delaying the inevitable would only lead to events that may jeopardize the fragile demoCrazy in Nigeria. A compromised umpire cannot conduct a general election. People should know when to quit!, Nwanneka Chimamanda @greatnwanneo posted.
INEC and d chairman is already compromised.
What other evidence do we need dis time?
How did Lere Olayinka get access to such privy data from INEC portal.
Pls ooo, all opposition shld address dis matter to d bottom.
No let it slide.
Our votes hope will not be compromised too, wrote Genesco @zim09905110
Nsikak Abasi Udoh @brightttrx, said, If any private individual has access to information or systems that are not publicly available, it is reasonable for the relevant authorities to clarify how that access was obtained and whether it complies with established rules and procedures.
Public confidence in elections depends not only on integrity but also on transparency and accountability.
“All these are clear signs that the universe is in full support of a NEW Nigeria. All these costly errors is the handwork of God. More, serious errors that will attract the attention of the international community will be committed before the 2027 election. #APC will be so disgraced to the extent, there will be serious internal disagreement among themselves. 2027 is a year for Nigeria and Nigerians. If bola decided to flex muscle against the will of the universe, he will likely pay the Supreme price and Nigeria & Nigerians will still triumph. It’s settled. When God says Yes, Nobody can say NO, no matter how powerful”, said a worried Nigerian on X.