The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a ₦10 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Nollywood actor and House of Representatives aspirant, Emeka Ike, arguing that the voter registration information at the centre of the case is public and not confidential under Nigerian law.
Ike instituted the suit against INEC and Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alleging that the publication of his voter registration details on the social media platform X violated his constitutional right to privacy and data protection.
The actor is seeking a declaration that the publication of his voter information without his consent was unlawful, as well as ₦10 billion in damages for the alleged breach of his fundamental rights.
In a counter-affidavit filed before the court, INEC maintained that the information complained of is neither classified nor confidential, stressing that the Electoral Act 2026 requires the commission to compile, maintain, display and publish the national register of voters for public scrutiny.
The commission, through its Assistant Director and Data Protection Officer in the Legal Drafting and Clearance Department, Anthonia Makwe, argued that it is constitutionally empowered to make voter information publicly available and that doing so does not infringe on the privacy rights of registered voters.
INEC further stated that its responsibilities are carried out in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. It also denied that the document allegedly shared on social media originated from the commission or that it had breached its obligation to safeguard voter data.
In a separate response, Olayinka contended that the information he published was already in the public domain and contained only Ike’s name and passport photograph. He argued that he owed the applicant no duty of confidentiality and that a person seeking elective office could not claim injury over information voluntarily submitted during the electoral process.
During proceedings on Wednesday, counsel for INEC informed the court that the commission had filed and served all its processes in the matter. Counsel to Ike acknowledged receipt of the documents and requested time to respond.
Justice Salim Ibrahim subsequently adjourned the case until October 12, 2026, for hearing. The judge also encouraged the parties to explore the possibility of an amicable settlement outside the courtroom.
