Emeka Ike Says Justice, Not ₦10 Billion Compensation, Is the Real Goal of His Lawsuit Against INEC and Lere Olayinka

Nollywood actor and politician Emeka Ike has clarified that his ongoing lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is not primarily about the ₦10 billion compensation he is demanding.

Instead, the actor says the legal action is aimed at promoting justice, accountability, and stronger protection of Nigerians’ constitutional rights.

Emeka Ike Says the Case Is Bigger Than Money

Speaking during an interview, Ike insisted that the lawsuit represents a broader fight for justice rather than a financial battle.

According to him, Nigerians deserve institutions that respect the rule of law and citizens’ rights.

“Honestly, what I want is justice. I want justice for Nigeria, however it comes, so that they can stop taking Nigerians for a ride. That’s just what I crave.”

He stressed that while the lawsuit includes a ₦10 billion damages claim, the monetary demand is not the driving force behind the case.

“It’s not about the money. It’s not about the election. It’s about us being prudent, truthful and official in everything we do.”

The actor added that enforcing the law consistently is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“We just need to keep applying the law to strengthen the edges of Nigerian democracy. That’s what I’m trying to do so people can know what is right.”

Actor Open to Peaceful Resolution, But Wants Justice

When asked whether he would consider settling the dispute outside the courtroom, Ike maintained that he is not opposed to an amicable resolution.

However, he emphasized that any settlement must still deliver justice.

“It’s not for the money, and if they want peace, it is fine, but I want justice, which is, most importantly, what should be. Justice is what we crave.”

Court Encourages Out-of-Court Settlement

During proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, Justice Salim Ibrahim advised both parties to explore the possibility of resolving the dispute through an out-of-court settlement.

The recommendation came after legal representatives for all parties appeared before the court.

Although the judge encouraged dialogue, the matter remains before the court as both sides continue to defend their positions.

How the Dispute Began

The lawsuit arose after Emeka Ike sought the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket to contest for the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The actor alleged that Lere Olayinka published screenshots on X containing details of his voter registration transfer from Imo State to Abuja without his permission.

Ike argues that the publication violated his constitutional right to privacy and breached provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.

What Emeka Ike Is Asking the Court to Order

Through his lawyer, Leonard Adeh, Ike is seeking several legal remedies, including:

• ₦10 billion in general and aggravated damages against INEC and Lere Olayinka.
• A declaration that the publication of his voter registration details violated his constitutional right to privacy.
• A ruling that INEC failed in its legal responsibility to protect voters’ personal information.
• A declaration that INEC’s public response amounted to an admission of liability.
• An order directing Olayinka to delete the social media post.
• A written public apology.

INEC and Olayinka Reject the Allegations

Both INEC and Olayinka have asked the court to dismiss the suit.

In a counter-affidavit filed by Anthonia Makwe, an Assistant Director and Data Protection Officer in INEC’s Legal Drafting and Clearance Department, the electoral commission argued that the voter information shared was neither confidential nor sensitive.

INEC maintained that such details are publicly displayed in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, and therefore did not constitute protected private information.

Olayinka, through his lawyer Akpama Ekwe, also argued that the information published was already available in the public domain and did not amount to a breach of privacy.

Legal Battle Continues

While the Federal High Court has encouraged both parties to seek an amicable settlement, Emeka Ike insists his primary objective is to establish legal accountability and reinforce respect for Nigerians’ constitutional rights.

As proceedings continue, the case is expected to test the boundaries of privacy protections, data protection obligations, and the responsibilities of public institutions in safeguarding citizens’ personal information.