2027: Nigerian Govt Vows to Prosecute Anyone Tampering With Citizens’ Data

The Federal Government has warned that anyone found tampering with or unlawfully exposing the personal data of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections will face prosecution.

The warning was issued by the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, during an interview on Channels Television on Saturday.

Olatunji said the commission was strengthening its monitoring efforts to ensure that political parties, organisations and other stakeholders handling citizens’ personal information comply with the provisions of Nigeria’s data protection laws.

According to him, concerns over voter information and data privacy become increasingly important as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

He noted that political parties and campaign organisations are expected to collect large volumes of personal information from members, supporters and prospective voters, making it necessary to ensure such data is properly secured.

The NDPC boss stressed that many organisations collecting personal information still lack adequate privacy safeguards and data protection mechanisms required by law.

“They are collecting data of their party members. What kind of privacy safeguards, what kind of guardrails they have that they put in place.

“They don’t even know. That’s the truth. Anyone found revealing people’s data will be prosecuted,” Olatunji said.

He explained that the commission would continue engaging institutions handling personal information while also enforcing compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

According to him, organisations entrusted with citizens’ personal information must establish proper systems to prevent unauthorised access, disclosure or misuse of such data.

Olatunji maintained that protecting citizens’ privacy is essential to preserving public confidence in democratic processes and preventing abuse during electioneering campaigns.

The NDPC has repeatedly urged both public and private institutions to strengthen their cybersecurity measures and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Nigeria enacted the Nigeria Data Protection Act to regulate the collection, storage, processing and transfer of personal information while safeguarding the privacy rights of citizens.

With political activities expected to intensify in the coming months, the commission says it will closely monitor compliance among political parties and other organisations processing personal information.

The Federal Government reiterated that violations of the country’s data protection laws would attract sanctions, including prosecution, as authorities seek to ensure that Nigerians’ personal information is not exploited or unlawfully disclosed during preparations for the 2027 general elections.