Dare Babalola
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly debunked claims circulating on social media alleging that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, operates an account on X (formerly Twitter) or has engaged in partisan political commentary.
In a press statement issued on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission described the allegation as a “malicious and coordinated campaign of calumny,” insisting that the purported post being attributed to the INEC Chairman is entirely fabricated.
“The Commission wishes to state categorically that this allegation is entirely baseless, a total fabrication, and a figment of the imagination of its purveyors,” the statement read.
Oketola stressed that Prof. Amupitan has no presence on X and has never used the platform to express political views or align with any group or individual.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the INEC Chairman does not own or operate any personal account on X. He has at no time engaged in partisan commentary, nor has he ever associated himself with any political leaning or activity in his private or public capacity,” he stated.
The Commission warned that the circulation of the fake post is a calculated attempt to undermine public confidence in the electoral body at a crucial time when it is undertaking reforms and preparing for upcoming elections.
“This contrived X post is a desperate attempt to impugn the integrity and neutrality of the Chairman at a critical period when the Commission is focused on significant electoral reforms and preparations for upcoming polls. It is a needless distraction designed to stir public distrust in the electoral umpire,” the statement added.
INEC also raised concerns about the activities of cybercriminals who have allegedly been exploiting the Chairman’s identity online for fraudulent purposes.
According to the Commission, several fake accounts bearing the Chairman’s name have previously been identified and reported to security agencies.
“Beyond this partisan mischief, the Commission is aware that cybercriminals have been on the prowl, utilising fake social media accounts in the Chairman’s name to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians. We wish to place it on record that several of such fraudulent accounts had been identified and reported to security agencies in the past,” Oketola disclosed.
He described the latest incident as part of a recurring pattern of criminal activity aimed at exploiting INEC’s public profile for illicit gain.
Reaffirming its resolve to protect the integrity of its leadership, the Commission said it is working closely with security agencies and cyber-intelligence units to track down those responsible.
“The Commission will not fold its arms while the character of its leadership is being assassinated by digital imposters and mischief-makers. We wish to notify the public that we are working in close collaboration with relevant security agencies and cyber-intelligence units to track and identify the individuals or groups behind this identity theft and misinformation,” the statement noted.
INEC further warned that those found culpable would face legal consequences under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
“Let it be clearly understood that the Commission will ensure that these imposters face the full wrath of the law. Identity theft and the dissemination of deepfake or forged social media interactions are criminal offenses under the Cybercrimes Act. Those responsible for this mischief will be tracked and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent,” Oketola said.
The Commission urged Nigerians to ignore the fake post and rely only on official channels for verified information about its activities.
“The general public is hereby urged to disregard this falsehood in its entirety. We will continue to disseminate official information regarding the Commission and the Chairman’s activities only through our verified institutional channels and formal press statements,” the statement concluded.
INEC reiterated its commitment to its constitutional mandate, assuring Nigerians that it remains focused on delivering credible elections despite attempts to discredit its leadership.
