Obi-Oyedepo audio: Your phone calls are safe — we’re not tracking them, NCC assures Nigerians

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied claims that the commission is tracking telephone conversations of Nigerians.

The NCC has been in the spotlight since an alleged audio conversation between Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) and David Oyedepo, the founder of Winners Chapel, surfaced online.

In the audio, Obi allegedly asked Oyedepo to him secure votes from Christians in the south-west and Kwara during the presidential polls, describing the election as a “religious war”.

The development had created fears among Nigerians, with many of them expressing worry about the safety of their phone calls.

But in a statement on Tuesday by Reuben Muoka, its spokesperson, the NCC said it does not monitor or leak people’s calls as alleged.

“The commission denies the allegations in their entirety. By the provisions of the Nigerian Communication Act (NCA) 2003 and other extant laws of the federation, the commission does not and cannot ‘track’ nor ‘leak’ telephone conversations of anyone,” the statement reads.

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

“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.”