…Group cites breach of Nigeria Data Protection Act, demands immediate end to misuse of private phone numbers
The Osogbo Accord Media Force strongly condemns the recent wave of unauthorized political calls made to residents across Osun State by agents and operatives linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Citizens’ phone numbers are private personal data, not campaign material. Using them for political outreach without consent violates the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. It breaches Section 24 of the NDPA, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to privacy, dignity, and protection from unlawful data processing and intrusion.
This is more than a technical violation. It is an invasion of privacy and an abuse of the trust citizens place in institutions to protect their personal information. The act reflects a desperate attempt by the APC in Osun to manipulate voters through intrusive and unethical tactics, rather than earn support through policy, accountability, and performance.
The group stated that the APC cannot win the votes of Osun people through desperation or by underestimating them. “The people of Osun have shown their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term. If the APC wants the sympathy of voters, they should test their credibility and acceptability at the polls, instead of disturbing people’s phones, burning their data, and wasting their time with unnecessary campaign strategies,” the statement read. The group added that such actions raise concerns about compliance with Nigerian Communications Commission regulations.
Osogbo Accord Media Force demands that:
1. The APC in Osun State immediately halt all unauthorized calls and stop using private phone numbers obtained without consent.
2. The National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission investigate the breach and sanction those responsible under the NDPA.
3. All political parties and their agents respect citizens’ privacy rights and adopt lawful, consent-based methods of voter engagement.
Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive when citizens are harassed and surveilled in their private spaces for political gain. Osogbo Accord Media Force will continue to monitor the matter and will support affected citizens in pursuing legal remedies where necessary.
We urge all Osun residents to remain vigilant, report such calls, and reject attempts to trade their privacy for political advantage.
Signed:
Osogbo Accord Media Force (OAMF)
