Atiku Abubakar demands full investigation into INEC voter database leak
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged leak of information from the Independent National Electoral Commission's INEC Continuous Voter Registration database. Atiku stated that INEC's explanation, which confirmed voter information was accessed using valid official credentials and released without authorization, raises concerns about internal compromise and potential political interference rather than external hacking. He emphasized that Nigerians need to understand how restricted electoral data ended up in the public domain and in the hands of political actors. Atiku highlighted that the information was publicly released by Lere Olayinka, spokesman to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and questioned the basis of Wike's recent prediction about Atiku's performance in the 2027 presidential election. Atiku warned that the incident impacts public confidence in the neutrality of Nigeria's electoral institutions and urged INEC to disclose the complete chain of custody of the leaked information. While welcoming the Department of State Services DSS investigation, he stressed the need for a thorough, impartial, and transparent resolution to maintain public trust ahead of the 2027 general election.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Troops from Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, neutralized two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The operation, which began on July 16 and concluded on July 17, involved troops advancing through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities. During a fierce gun battle, two criminals were killed, and three abducted individuals were rescued: Mr. Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Mr. Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Mr. Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala LGA. Other captives reportedly fled during the exchange of gunfire. The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle with an optic sight, a pistol, 19 AK-47 magazines, 181 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62x51mm ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm Tavor ammunition, a Moniepoint Point-of-Sale device, and two pairs each of desert and woodland camouflage uniforms. Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, commended the troops for their resilience, courage, and professionalism, reaffirming his commitment to ridding the Joint Operations Area of criminal elements.
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