Controversy As AI Links INEC Chairman To Alleged Partisan X Account

Fresh controversy has engulfed Nigeria’s electoral body as an artificial intelligence tool, Grok, reportedly linked the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to a controversial X (formerly Twitter) account accused of partisan activity.
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The development has sparked widespread debate over the neutrality of the electoral umpire, with critics raising concerns about possible political bias ahead of future elections.

Grok, an AI assistant developed by xAI, confirmed that the X account with ID: 1567086242164101120 was originally created under the username “joashamupitan,” allegedly belonging to the INEC Chairman.

This is coming despite an earlier denial by INEC, which insisted that Amupitan does not operate any personal account on the platform.

Findings show that the account was created on September 6, 2022, prior to Amupitan’s appointment as INEC Chairman, and reportedly retained the same username until April 10, 2026, when it was changed to “Sundayvibe00.”

The controversy intensified after Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential media aide, publicly sought clarification from the AI platform.

“Hi @Grok, for sake of transparency, what is the original name of the X account with ID: 1567086242164101120 and was it created in September 2022, before it was later changed to joashamupitan in November 2025?” Ahmad queried.
Responding, Grok stated: “The X account ID 1567086242164101120 was created on September 6, 2022, under the username joashamupitan.”

The AI further noted that public reports and account tracking showed the account maintained that identity until April 2026 before the recent name change.

Despite INEC’s denial, social media users have continued to unearth old posts allegedly linked to the account, fueling suspicion and public scrutiny.

Reacting to the development, an X user, @Normalyzed, called for legislative action, saying, “At this point, the Nigerian Senate should summon the INEC chairman to appear before it. There are receipts everywhere in the media.”

Another user, @White_Superion, alleged political undertones behind the controversy, suggesting that Ahmad’s move may have been calculated to pressure the INEC boss.

Beyond the initial reactions, the controversy has continued to generate mixed responses across X, with users divided over the credibility of the claims and the implications for Nigeria’s electoral integrity.

Some users openly questioned the credibility of the electoral body:
“If this is true, then Nigeria has a serious problem. The umpire cannot be seen taking sides. He should step aside immediately.”

Others expressed caution, warning against relying solely on artificial intelligence for verification:

“Using AI like Grok as proof is risky. These tools can get things wrong. We need verified facts, not assumptions.”

A section of users insisted the account could be fake or manipulated:
“This looks like a parody or impersonation account that later changed its name. People should calm down and verify properly.”

However, many remained unconvinced and demanded accountability:
“Even if it was created before his appointment, the digital footprint raises questions. INEC must explain this clearly.”
Some reactions also reflected growing distrust in the system:
“This is why people don’t trust elections. Every controversy like this damages public confidence further.”

Meanwhile, supporters of the INEC chairman echoed the commission’s position, insisting the claims are false and politically motivated.

The commission has maintained that its chairman does not operate any personal X account, describing the allegation as baseless and an attempt to discredit the institution.

The unfolding situation has further deepened concerns about the perceived independence of INEC, with analysts warning that such controversies could erode public trust in the electoral process if not urgently addressed.