INEC Denies Alleged Chairman’s Endorsement Of Partisan Post

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed as “baseless and fabricated” claims circulating on social media alleging that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, endorsed a partisan post on X (formerly Twitter).

In a press statement posted on its verified X handle on Saturday and signed by Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, the Commission said the allegation was part of a “malicious and coordinated campaign of calumny” aimed at discrediting its leadership.

“The false claim alleges that the INEC chairman has, in the past, endorsed a partisan post on the platform X. The Commission wishes to state categorically that this allegation is entirely baseless, a total fabrication, and a figment of the imagination of its purveyors,” INEC said.

The electoral body clarified that Amupitan does not operate any personal account on X and has never engaged in partisan commentary.

“For the avoidance of doubt, 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 ever associated himself with any political leaning or activity in his private or public capacity,” the statement added.

INEC described the purported post as a “contrived” attempt to undermine public confidence in the Commission, particularly at a time it is focused on electoral reforms and preparations for upcoming polls.

“This contrived X post is a desperate attempt to impugn the integrity and neutrality of the Chairman. It is a needless distraction designed to stir public distrust in the electoral umpire,” it stated.

The Commission also raised concerns over the activities of cybercriminals allegedly creating fake social media accounts in the Chairman’s name to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

“Beyond this partisan mischief, the Commission is aware that cybercriminals have been on the prowl, utilising fake social media accounts in the Chairman’s name to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians,” INEC said, noting that several such accounts had previously been reported to security agencies.

INEC warned that it would not tolerate what it described as “character assassination by digital imposters,” revealing that it is working with security and cyber-intelligence agencies to track down those responsible.

“Let it be clearly understood that the Commission will ensure that these imposters face the full wrath of the law. Those responsible for this mischief will be tracked and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent,” the statement read.

The Commission urged the public to ignore the viral claims and rely only on its verified communication channels for official information.

“We will continue to disseminate official information regarding the Commission and the Chairman’s activities only through our verified institutional channels and formal press statements,” INEC said, reaffirming its commitment to free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.