INEC Tells Court Voter Register Is Public Record in Emeka Ike’s N10bn Privacy Suit

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that voter registration information is a public record and not confidential, as it defended itself in a N10 billion lawsuit filed by actor and politician Emeka Ike.

Ike instituted the suit after his voter registration details were shared on social media by Lere Olayinka, a media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The actor alleged that the publication violated his constitutional right to privacy and sought N10 billion in damages.

In its response, INEC argued that the Electoral Act 2026 authorises the commission to compile, maintain, display and publish the register of voters for public inspection. The commission maintained that the information contained in the voters' register is not classified and can be made available without obtaining the consent of registered voters.

INEC also stated that the document allegedly circulated online did not originate from the commission and insisted it had fulfilled its responsibility to safeguard personal data under relevant laws, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

Olayinka, through his legal team, also asked the court to dismiss the claims, arguing that the information he shared was already in the public domain. He maintained that it contained only the actor's name and passport photograph and did not amount to a breach of privacy.

According to the defence, individuals seeking public office cannot reasonably claim confidentiality over information voluntarily submitted during the electoral registration process, especially where the law requires the voters' register to be displayed for public scrutiny.

Following submissions from the parties, the Federal High Court adjourned the case until October 12, 2026, for further hearing.

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