As preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually gather pace, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has warned that anyone found tampering with or misusing the personal data of Nigerians for electoral purposes will face legal consequences.

The commission said it is intensifying efforts to safeguard voter information, expressing concern over how political parties and other stakeholders collect, process and protect citizens’ personal data.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, said the commission is closely monitoring data handling by political actors and institutions as election activities begin to gather momentum.

According to him, protecting Nigerians’ personal information has become a national priority, particularly as political parties continue to gather large volumes of data from members and supporters.

Olatunji questioned whether many political parties have adequate privacy safeguards in place to protect the information they collect.

“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.”

He noted that many political organisations still lack a proper understanding of their obligations under Nigeria’s data protection laws and the risks associated with poor handling of sensitive information.

The NDPC boss said the commission has stepped up awareness campaigns and continues to organise regular training sessions to help political parties understand the legal requirements for processing and protecting personal data.

“And that’s why, again, awareness comes in. We are trying to work with them to meet with all the political parties. Every week we pass training, we are happy to train them.”

According to Olatunji, the training programmes extend beyond party executives to grassroots structures responsible for voter mobilisation.

“On how to use, on how to process personal data up to the lower level.”

He also highlighted the role of traditional institutions in promoting data protection awareness, describing community leaders as trusted channels for reaching citizens in rural areas.

Olatunji disclosed that the commission has strengthened collaboration with traditional rulers through the Royal Ambassador initiative.

“And one thing that we have done, even leaving it to traditional institutions, we now have the Royal Ambassador, who is the chair, the vice-chair of Southwest Council of Traditional Rulers.”

He explained that traditional rulers remain the first point of contact for many people in their communities and are well-positioned to educate residents on protecting their personal information.

“From the traditional institutions, how do you disseminate information to your subjects? They are the first people to contact with their subjects. In all the rural communities. And these are the real voters.”

Olatunji identified artisans, market women, transport unions, food vendors and commercial motorcycle operators as key stakeholders in the electoral process, stressing that they make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s voting population and should be protected from the misuse of personal data.

“The artisans, the market women, the transport unions, and so on. These are the real voters.”

He added that improving voter awareness before the 2027 elections remains critical to preventing the exploitation, manipulation and abuse of citizens’ personal information.