Lawyer and public policy analyst, Liborous Oshoma, has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of wielding excessive political influence and behaving as though he operates above institutional control.

Oshoma made the remarks during an interview on Arise News while reacting to the controversy surrounding the alleged unlawful access to voter data belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by Lere Olayinka, an aide to the FCT minister.

According to Oshoma, the situation raises serious concerns about institutional accountability and the protection of sensitive electoral information under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. He argued that INEC, as the lawful custodian of the voter database, has a responsibility to immediately investigate the alleged breach.

He stated that the electoral body must determine how the data was accessed, identify all persons involved, and establish whether there is sufficient evidence for prosecution. Oshoma explained that once INEC concludes its preliminary findings, the matter should be transferred to relevant authorities for legal action where necessary.

“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation is not an investigating body,” Oshoma said, clarifying that its role would only come after investigative agencies complete their work and submit relevant files for legal review.

He added that the Department of State Services (DSS) is already questioning Olayinka and other individuals connected to the alleged incident. According to him, the Attorney General’s office would eventually review the investigation report to decide whether criminal prosecution is justified.

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While discussing the broader political implications of the controversy, Oshoma accused Nigeria’s political system of elevating powerful individuals above institutions. He specifically referenced Nyesom Wike, suggesting that the FCT minister exercises unusual influence within the current administration.

“With what we have seen in Nigeria, how we are raising superhumans instead of superinstitutions, how one man can bulldoze everybody, bulldoze his way through,” Oshoma stated during the interview.

Referring directly to the FCT minister, he continued: “I’m talking about Nyesom Wike now. And Lere Olayinka works with Nyesom Wike.”

Oshoma further claimed that several Nigerians have previously raised concerns about what he described as the minister’s “high-handedness,” adding that the political atmosphere suggests Wike has been given broad freedom to operate.

“And it’s like the president had given him a free hand. He’s almost like the small president,” he added.

The remarks come amid increasing scrutiny of data privacy, governance, and political accountability in Nigeria, particularly concerning access to sensitive electoral information. While no formal charges have yet been announced regarding the alleged voter data breach, the controversy continues to generate debate across political and legal circles.