The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has dismissed as baseless the allegation that it was involved in the “tracking” and “leakage” of telephone conversation between Mr Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of Labour Party and Bishop David Oyedepo.

An audio telephone conversation allegedly between Obi and Oyedepo had been trending in which Obi was said to have called the 2023 presidential election a religious war and sought the help of Oyedepo, the Founding Bishop of Winners’ Chapel to help him mop up Christian votes in the south west and in Kwara state.

Some social media netizens had blamed the NCC for the leakage of the said audio. But NCC in a strongly worded statement dismissed the allegation as untrue. Below is the full text of the press statement.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been inundated with enquiries by the media on allegations of telephone “tracking” and “leakage” made against the Commission by some individuals and groups in the social and alternative Media.

The Commission wishes to make the following clarifications:

1. The Commission denies the allegations in their entirety.
2. By the provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 and other extant Laws of the Federation, the Commission does not and cannot “track” nor “leak” telephone conversations of anyone.

 iii.            The Commission has reported the allegations, which we take seriously, to relevant security agencies for proper investigation and necessary action.

1. The Commission restates its commitment to discharge its responsibilities to the Nigerian people in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the NCA 2003; and other extant Laws of the Federation; and global best practices.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission denies these allegations and advises the public to disregard them.

Signed:

Reuben Muoka

Director, Public Affairs

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)