ABUJA: The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, has firmly denied owning or operating any account on X (formerly Twitter), describing recent claims linking him to partisan social media activity as false, malicious, and deliberately misleading.
The denial follows the circulation of posts on social media alleging that the INEC chairman had used an X account to endorse political content, raising concerns about the neutrality of the electoral body.
In a statement released by his media aide, Adedayo Oketola, Amupitan categorically rejected the claims, insisting that he has never maintained a presence on the platform.
“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 associated himself with any political ideology or activity, whether in his private or official capacity,” the statement read.
Oketola further described the allegations as “entirely baseless” and a “fabrication,” suggesting they form part of a coordinated attempt to undermine the credibility, neutrality, and public trust in the electoral commission.
Beyond the immediate controversy, INEC raised alarm over increasing incidents of cyber impersonation involving the chairman’s identity.
According to the commission, fraudsters have been creating fake social media accounts using Amupitan’s name and likeness to mislead unsuspecting members of the public, sometimes for financial gain.
The statement noted that several such fraudulent accounts had already been identified and reported to security agencies in the past, adding that the latest incident appears to be a continuation of a broader pattern of online deception.
“This latest fabrication is part of an ongoing criminal scheme aimed at exploiting the chairman’s identity and the commission’s profile for illicit purposes,” the statement added.
INEC disclosed that it is actively collaborating with relevant law enforcement bodies and cyber-intelligence units to track down those responsible for the impersonation and dissemination of false information.
The commission stressed that perpetrators would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, particularly under provisions of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, which criminalises identity theft, online impersonation, and the spread of manipulated or misleading digital content.
It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and verify information from official INEC communication channels before accepting or sharing it.
The development comes amid heightened political activities and growing public scrutiny of institutions ahead of future elections, making the issue of neutrality particularly sensitive.
INEC reiterated its commitment to impartiality, transparency, and professionalism in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Observers note that any perception of bias involving the commission’s leadership could undermine confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process, hence the swift response to debunk the claims.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Amupitan, a professor of law, as chairman of INEC in October 2025.
He succeeded Mahmood Yakubu, who served two terms from 2015 to 2025 and oversaw multiple general elections during his tenure.
Since assuming office, Amupitan has faced the task of strengthening public confidence in the electoral system while navigating Nigeria’s complex political landscape.
INEC advised Nigerians to disregard any social media accounts or posts claiming to represent the chairman personally, emphasising that all official communications are disseminated through verified institutional platforms.
The commission also encouraged citizens to report suspicious accounts or messages to authorities, noting that public cooperation is essential in combating cybercrime and protecting the integrity of democratic institutions.
