Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed as false and malicious claims circulating on social media alleging that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, endorsed a partisan post on X.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission described the allegation as “entirely baseless” and warned members of the public against falling for fabricated content aimed at undermining the integrity of the electoral body.
“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.
INEC clarified that the Chairman does not operate any personal account on X or any other social media platform, stressing that he has never engaged in partisan commentary or political alignment.
“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 Commission stated.
Fake Post Meant to Undermine Electoral Integrity
According to the Commission, the fabricated post is a calculated attempt to damage the neutrality of the electoral umpire at a critical period when preparations for upcoming elections and electoral reforms are ongoing.
“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.”
INEC further disclosed that cybercriminals have previously created fake social media accounts using the Chairman’s identity to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
“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.”
The Commission described the latest incident as part of a continuing pattern of digital impersonation and criminal exploitation.
“This latest fabrication is merely a continuation of a criminal pattern aimed at exploiting the Commission’s profile for illicit gains.”
INEC Moves to Track Perpetrators
INEC emphasized that it would not tolerate attempts to tarnish the character of its leadership and disclosed that it is working with security agencies to identify 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 electoral body warned that those involved would face prosecution under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act.
“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 to others who believe the digital space is a safe haven for criminality.”
Public Urged to Ignore Fake Information
INEC urged Nigerians to disregard the false claims and rely only on verified institutional communication channels.
“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 Commission reaffirmed its commitment to credible elections.
“The Commission remains undeterred and fully committed to its mandate of delivering free, fair, and credible elections for all Nigerians.”