RismadarVoice Reporters, April 11, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, operates a personal account on X (formerly Twitter) and has engaged in partisan commentary.
In a press statement issued on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission described the claim as “entirely baseless” and a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity and neutrality of the electoral body.
INEC clarified that the Chairman does not own or operate any account on X and has never made partisan statements or associated with any political interests in either his official or private capacity.
“The allegation is a total fabrication and a figment of the imagination of its purveyors,” the statement said, adding that the purported social media post being circulated is false and intended to mislead the public.
The Commission expressed concern that the misinformation campaign is being orchestrated at a critical time when it is focused on electoral reforms and preparations for upcoming elections, describing it as a distraction aimed at eroding public trust.
INEC also revealed that cybercriminals have in the past created fake social media accounts in the Chairman’s name to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians, noting that several such cases have already been reported to security agencies.
It warned that the latest incident is part of a broader pattern of identity theft and digital fraud targeting the Commission’s leadership.
The electoral body disclosed that it is working closely with security agencies and cyber-intelligence units to identify and apprehend those behind the fake accounts and misinformation.
INEC further stressed that perpetrators of such acts would face prosecution under relevant laws, including the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalises identity theft and the spread of false digital content.
The Commission urged members of the public to disregard the fake claims and rely only on verified official channels for information regarding its activities.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, INEC stated that it remains focused on its mandate to deliver free, fair, and transparent polls for Nigerians.
