RismadarVoice Reporters, April 22, 2026
Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is under growing criticism following its decision to clear its chairman, Joash Amupitan, of allegations that he expressed partisan support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 election cycle.
INEC had stated that its internal review found no evidence linking Amupitan to a controversial social media post on X (formerly Twitter), which appeared to endorse Tinubu’s candidacy.
However, the commission’s findings have been challenged by critics who argue that the investigation lacked transparency and credibility.
Farooq Kperogi, a Professor of Communication (Journalism and Emerging Media) USA and other observers have described the process as “self-exoneration,” raising concerns about the impartiality of an institution investigating its own leadership. The controversy has sparked debate over accountability and the integrity of oversight mechanisms within public institutions.
According to him, one issue centers on discrepancies in timestamps between the alleged post and its reply. While INEC maintained that the timing made the interaction impossible, opposing views suggest that post-editing could explain the inconsistency.
Additionally, independent digital investigations reportedly linked the disputed account to contact details associated with Amupitan, though INEC dismissed such findings as inconclusive. Questions have also been raised about the commission’s reliance on the absence of archived records, with critics noting that digital archiving tools do not capture all online activity.
Further skepticism surrounds INEC’s interpretation of changes made to the account after the controversy emerged. While the commission attributed alterations such as name changes and restricted visibility to impersonators, analysts argue that such actions could also indicate attempts to limit scrutiny.
The emergence of multiple accounts bearing Amupitan’s name after his appointment has also been cited by INEC as part of its defense. However, critics maintain that this does not address the authenticity of the original account in question.
Tensions have escalated reports that the commission may pursue legal action against individuals who publicized the allegations. Legal experts warn that such moves could be perceived as attempts to silence dissent, drawing parallels to what is known in some jurisdictions as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP).
The controversy has intensified calls for independent investigations into the matter, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for transparency to maintain public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
