By Emmanuel Okogba
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, endorsed a partisan post on X (formerly Twitter).
In a statement signed by Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, the Commission described the allegation as “entirely baseless, a total fabrication, and a figment of the imagination of its purveyors.”
“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,” the statement read.
INEC said the contrived post was “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 Commission also warned that cybercriminals have previously created fake 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. This latest fabrication is merely a continuation of a criminal pattern aimed at exploiting the Commission’s profile for illicit gains,” it said.
INEC vowed to pursue legal action against those behind the misinformation. “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. Let it be clearly understood that the Commission will ensure that these imposters face the full wrath of the law,” the statement added.
It further stressed: “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 to others who believe the digital space is a safe haven for criminality.”
The Commission urged Nigerians to disregard the falsehood, noting: “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.”
INEC concluded by reaffirming its commitment: “The Commission remains undeterred and fully committed to its mandate of delivering free, fair, and credible elections for all Nigerians.”
