Nollywood actor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) aspirant for the Bwari/AMAC federal constituency seat, Emeka Ike, has condemned the publication of his voter registration records by Lere Olayinka, media aide to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The actor described the action as “disturbing, worrisome, and undemocratic”.
Ike spoke at a press conference on Tuesday amid growing controversy over the release of information showing that he transferred his voter registration from Imo State to the FCT on May 15.
Earlier, Olayinka had published details of the transfer, arguing that the actor was not originally a voter in the FCT and questioning why he did not seek elective office in Imo State, where he had previously voted.
The disclosure sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians questioning how information from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) voter registration database was obtained.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission said it had identified the user account through which Ike’s voter record was accessed and released without authorisation.
IKE’S POSITION
Reacting to the development, Ike said the public disclosure of his voter records raised serious concerns about privacy and the protection of citizens’ personal information.
“I have received with great concern the recent publication made by Mr. Lere Olayinka regarding my private information on the INEC server,” he said.
“I find the action very disturbing, worrisome, undemocratic, and a dangerous precedent capable of undermining citizens’ confidence in the sanctity of personal information held by public institutions.”
The actor questioned how his voter registration and transfer records, which he said should be under the custody of INEC, found their way into the public domain.
“My foremost concern is the source of the personal voter registration and transfer records, which are ordinarily expected to be under the custody and protection of the INEC,” he said.
“The public disclosure of such information raises serious questions regarding privacy, data protection and unauthorised access to official records.”
Ike maintained that he followed all procedures stipulated by INEC during the continuous voter registration and transfer exercise.
“I acted within the provisions and guidelines established by INEC during the continuous voter registration and voter transfer exercise,” he said.
“As a law-abiding citizen, I exercised my constitutional and civic rights in accordance with due process.”
I AM ELIGIBLE TO CONTEST FOR FCT SEAT
The NDC aspirant also defended his eligibility to contest in the FCT, noting that he had lived in Abuja for many years and met all legal requirements for elective office.
“Furthermore, I have lived in the Federal Capital Territory for many years and possess the legal qualifications required to seek elective office within the FCT and beyond,” he said.
“I have made substantial investments in Abuja and across Nigeria, contributing meaningfully to economic growth and national development.”
Ike described himself as a “de-tribalised Nigerian” whose political aspirations transcend ethnic and religious divisions.
“I remain a proud Pan-Nigerian,” he said.
“My philanthropic activities, business engagements and commitment to nation-building have earned me goodwill among Nigerians from all walks of life.”
The actor called on Olayinka to retract the publication and apologise publicly within 72 hours.
“Accordingly, I demand that Mr. Lere Olayinka immediately retract the publication from his X handle and issue a public apology to my humble self, my party, NDC, and Nigerians in general within 72 hours,” he said.
He added that his legal team was reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident and would advise on possible legal action.
“While we await appropriate redress, my legal team and campaign organisation are currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding this matter and will advise on the appropriate legal and constitutional steps to be taken,” Ike said.
“I remain committed to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, responsible political engagement and the protection of citizens’ rights.”
