The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied allegations that it tracked and leaked the telephone conversations between the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi and founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo.
A purported audio conversation of Obi begging Oyedepo to mobilise votes for him during the presidential election had generated controversies on social media.
In the audio released by an online medium, Obi was heard begging the clergyman to mobilise people in the South West and Kwara State to vote for him, saying the election was a “religious war.”
Obi had since denied the conversation, saying the audio was doctored.
Supporters of the former Anambra governor had dragged NCC, accusing it of leaking the audio.
But a statement issued by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, denied the allegations, stating that the commission lacks the capacity to track or leak telephone conversations.
“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 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