Uche Amunike
Lifeandtimes News Writer
Nollywood actor and politician, Emeka Ike, has threatened to take action against Lere Olayinka, who is the media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the alleged exposure of his personal information from the database of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The controversy erupted after Olayinka shared what appeared to be voter registration details belonging to Emeka Ike on social media.
Emeka Ike, who recently contested for the House of Representatives seat representing the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in Abuja under the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), lost in the election. However, his voter registration records have now become the subject of public debate following Olayinka’s online post.
In a message shared on his X account, Olayinka claimed that Emeka Ike was originally registered as a voter in Imo State before transferring his voter registration to the Federal Capital Territory on May 15, 2026.
According to him, the actor had only recently become a registered voter in Abuja and therefore had little connection to the constituency he sought to represent.
To support his claim, Olayinka attached screenshots that appeared to have been obtained from an INEC administrative portal. The images reportedly contained sensitive information, including Ike’s voter registration details, application number, registration centre, Voter Identification Number (VIN), profile photograph, and date of application.
The publication immediately generated reactions online, with many Nigerians questioning how such information was obtained and whether personal voter records should be publicly accessible.
Reacting during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Emeka Ike strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a serious violation of privacy and an abuse of power.
The veteran actor expressed shock that a government official could allegedly gain access to a citizen’s confidential information and make it public.
According to him, the incident raises broader concerns about data protection and accountability in Nigeria.
His words: ‘It is shocking and disturbing. It reflects the level of impunity that exists when public officials can allegedly access private information and expose it without consequences.’
Emeka Ike argued that the matter goes beyond his personal interests and affects every Nigerian whose private information may be vulnerable to misuse.
He warned that such actions could create fear among citizens and undermine trust in public institutions responsible for safeguarding personal records.
The actor further disclosed that he was considering legal and other appropriate actions against Olayinka, insisting that nobody has the right to exploit another person’s private data for political purposes.
He stated: ‘Actions are ready. I am prepared to take him on. He had no right to invade my privacy or use my personal information in that manner,’ Ike stated.
Speaking on his political ambitions, Emeka Ike also explained why he chose to contest for a seat in Abuja rather than in his home state of Imo.
According to him, he initially planned to pursue elective office in Imo State but was persuaded by supporters in the FCT who encouraged him to represent their interests.
He said residents approached him with concerns about development and governance in the nation’s capital, convincing him to shift his focus to Abuja.
For Emeka Ike, the decision was driven by a desire to contribute to the growth and development of the Federal Capital Territory, which he believes deserves stronger representation and attention.
