The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has dismissed as false and malicious claims circulating on social media alleging that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, endorsed a partisan post on X, formerly Twitter.
Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Adedayo Oketola, in a statement on Friday, described the allegation as “entirely baseless” and a “fabrication,” stressing that the INEC Chairman does not own or operate any personal account on the social media platform.
“The Chairman 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,” Oketola said.
INEC said the purported post was part of a coordinated attempt to undermine the integrity and neutrality of its leadership at a crucial time when the Commission is undertaking key electoral reforms and preparing for upcoming polls.
The Commission further raised concerns over the activities of cybercriminals who have allegedly been creating fake social media accounts in the Chairman’s name to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
It disclosed that several such accounts had previously been identified and reported to security agencies.
While describing the latest claim as a continuation of a criminal pattern, INEC vowed not to allow “digital imposters and mischief-makers” to tarnish the image of its leadership.
It announced that it is working closely with security agencies and cyber-intelligence units to track down those behind the misinformation and identity theft.
“Those responsible will face the full wrath of the law,” the Commission warned, noting that identity theft and the spread of forged or manipulated social media content constitute offences under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act.
INEC urged members of the public to disregard the false claims and rely only on verified institutional channels and official statements for information concerning its activities.
While reaffirming its commitment, the Commission said it remains focused on delivering free, fair and credible elections, undeterred by attempts to erode public trust.
