The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said it was not behind the tracking of the ‘leaked phone’ conversation between Peter Obi and David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide.

“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,” Reuben Muoka, the spokesman for the NCC said on Tuesday. “The Commission denies the allegations in their entirety.”

The denial comes after Mr Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), was caught in an audio leak with Mr Oyedepo, asking for the support and mobilisation of the Christians in the just concluded February 25 election exercise. 

Peoples Gazette, during the weekend, published the phone conversation between Messrs Obi and Oyepedo, which trended on social media 

In the audio, Mr Obi was heard imploring the renowned Christian cleric to mobilise Christian voters for him, particularly in the North Central states of Kwara, Kogi, and Niger.

“This is a religious war”, Mr Obi said in the audio file. 

Mr Obi’s consistency of ‘Yes Daddy’ while the phone conversation lasted between him and Oyedepo has further generated harsh reactions on social media and among his critic. 

Many Nigerians have condemned the phone conversation between the two men, just as supporters of Mr Obi continue to demand how the audio file was leaked. 

Some supporters have also claimed the audio was ‘doctored’ despite confirming its authenticity by his spokespersons. 

But the NCC said it cannot track ‘anyone’ telephone conversation for any reason adding that since the audio leaked out, it has been overwhelmed with inquiries. 

“The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been inundated with inquiries 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.”

It added that it had asked the security agents to investigate the leaked audio and also take necessary action. 

“Commission has reported the allegations, which we take seriously, to relevant security agencies for proper investigation and necessary action,” the statement added. 

The NCC further said, “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.”