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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced an investigation into the alleged unauthorized access and disclosure of information from its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database. The commission’s reaction followed widespread reports and discussions on social media regarding the publication of voter registration information linked to Nollywood actor and politician, Emeka Ike, who recently contested in the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives primary election for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The controversy emerged after the media aide to the FCT Minister, Mr. Lere Olayinka, shared information indicating that Ike had transferred his voter registration from Imo State to the FCT on May 15, 2026. The post reportedly contained screenshots displaying details such as the actor’s application number, registration centre, Voter Identification Number (VIN), profile photograph, name, and date of application. Read Also: Associate Professor Amina Ganduje’s Quiet March into Nigeria’s Intellectual Elite FG abolishes mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave for civil servants NEMA warns 178 Kano communities of flood risk, lists 28 vulnerable LGAs Reacting to the development, Emeka Ike described the disclosure as disturbing and indicative of political misconduct, stating during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief that he was considering legal action over the incident. In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said it was treating the matter with utmost seriousness and had immediately initiated a comprehensive investigation. The commission explained that authorized registration officers involved in the ongoing nationwide CVR exercise were granted controlled access to specific aspects of the registration system to enable them process new registrations, transfers, and updates of voter records. According to INEC, such access is strictly limited to official duties and is withdrawn once the exercise is concluded. The commission disclosed that preliminary findings from its audit trail had enabled investigators to identify the specific user account through which the information was accessed. It added that relevant personnel had been questioned, while all departments connected to the incident were cooperating with the ongoing investigation. INEC further stated that it was reviewing the technical, administrative, and operational circumstances surrounding the incident to determine individual responsibility and identify any breach of internal access-control procedures. The electoral body emphasized that its preliminary findings do not indicate any external breach of its database, hacking incident, or unauthorized access to its information technology infrastructure. Rather, it said the information was accessed using valid credentials assigned to personnel participating in the CVR exercise, but those credentials were subsequently disclosed without authorization. According to the commission, the incident relates only to the retrieval of a specific voter record and does not suggest any compromise of the broader voter registration database or the personal information of more than 90 million registered voters. INEC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the security, confidentiality, and integrity of voter information, assuring Nigerians that appropriate action would be taken against anyone found culpable. The commission also revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) has independently commenced an investigation into the matter. INEC reiterated that safeguarding voter data remains a top priority and pledged to maintain transparency throughout the investigation process.

By Umar Idris Shuaibu The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has received a courtesy visit from members of Matasan Arewa for Tinubu (MAT) 2027 as part of the group’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections. The delegation, led by the Director General of MAT 2027, Hon. Mahmud Babaliya Aftaka, reaffirmed the group’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commended Ganduje for his leadership role in strengthening the APC across the country. During the visit, the group described Ganduje as a strong pillar of the ruling party whose political experience and guidance continue to inspire Northern youths toward active participation in democratic processes. MAT 2027 also announced the appointment of Ganduje as its Grand Patron in recognition of his contributions to party development and youth mobilisation. Speaking during the meeting, Ganduje stressed the critical role of youths in sustaining democracy and shaping the political future of Northern Nigeria and the country at large. Read Also: What to Know About Kano’s Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo Why Kiru/Bebeji ‘Consensus’ May End in Court Abuja Screening Exposes Cracks in Kano APC Consensus Plans “The youth are the foundation of this very important organisation, especially considering the political situation in the country and particularly in the northern part of Nigeria today,” he said. “There is no doubt that the youth are the alpha and omega of democracy, especially as we are approaching another election period.” The former Kano State governor cautioned against divisive politics rooted in religion, ethnicity and regional sentiments, noting that such narratives do not support national growth and unity. “The misconception many people have about politics in Nigeria is becoming a very dangerous trend. An association like this, made up of young men and women, is in a strong position to change the narrative,” he stated. “When one section of the country keeps blaming another section, it does not contribute to national development.” Ganduje further emphasised the need for Northern Nigeria to develop a clear socio-economic blueprint capable of addressing the region’s pressing developmental challenges. “What is most important for Northern Nigeria today is to have a clear development agenda and blueprint. Instead of blaming others based on religion, ethnicity, tribe or geographical location, we should focus on development,” he added. He identified youth unemployment as one of the major challenges confronting the region and advocated practical solutions through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and educational reforms. According to him, education should go beyond certificate acquisition and focus more on practical and professional skills capable of making young people self-reliant and employable. Ganduje also called for free and compulsory education at both primary and secondary school levels to ensure equal access to quality education for all children regardless of financial background. In a related development, Ganduje also held a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima alongside Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya, who currently serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director at the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Engr. Abba Kabir Bichi, and former Minister as well as former Kano State Deputy Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, at his residence in Abuja as part of ongoing political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

By Umar Idris Shuaibu The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairperson of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has expressed concern over the rising rate of begging in Northern Nigeria, attributing the trend to inadequate support for persons with disabilities. Ganduje made this known on Friday in Abuja during the 10th anniversary of the Let’s Talk Humanity initiative, which focuses on addressing the educational and social challenges faced by the deaf and visually impaired. According to him, prolonged neglect of vulnerable groups, particularly those with hearing and visual impairments, has significantly contributed to the growing number of beggars across the region. Read Also: Emulating Grassroots Empowerment: Lessons from Professor Hafsat Ganduje’s Model He warned that unless deliberate and sustained measures are taken, the situation could worsen, especially in Northern Nigeria. “There is an urgent need for government and relevant stakeholders to prioritise support for persons with special needs in order to reduce poverty and curb the rising trend of begging,” he said. The event, themed “Seen, Heard & Included,” highlighted the foundation’s decade-long impact in promoting inclusive education and improving the livelihoods of persons with disabilities through advocacy, essential services, and digital skills training. The programme also featured the premiere of the documentary, “Let’s Talk Humanity – 10 Years, One Story,” organised by Fatima Ganduje Ajimobi. The event, held at the Lake Greenfield Hotel, attracted top government officials and other prominent personalities, underscoring the growing importance of inclusive development and social support systems in Nigeria. Photo News:

President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday received a delegation representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, at the State House in Abuja. The meeting, described by officials as a private engagement, lasted for less than 30 minutes and forms part of ongoing consultations between the Presidency and traditional as well as religious leaders across the country. The Sultan, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), was represented at the meeting by the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar. Details of the discussions between the President and the delegation were not disclosed as of the time of filing this report. Read Also: Tinubu Redeploys Permanent Secretaries in Federal Civil Service The visit came only days after President Tinubu hosted traditional and religious leaders from across the country for an interfaith Ramadan and Lenten breaking of fast at the Presidential Villa. Sources within the Presidency said the meeting was part of a series of engagements the President has been holding with key national stakeholders on matters of public interest. In recent weeks, Tinubu has also held consultations with prominent figures including former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, and former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon. Speaking after his own meeting with the President on Saturday, Gowon expressed confidence in the administration’s efforts to address the country’s challenges, noting that the government is making efforts “all round” to tackle issues affecting Nigeria’s political, economic and security sectors. The Sultan of Sokoto remains one of the most influential traditional leaders in Nigeria and serves as the spiritual leader of Muslims in the country through the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. Sunday’s visit further highlights the continued interaction between the Presidency and influential traditional and religious institutions, particularly during the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten seasons.