INEC Denies Fake X Account Linked To Chairman, Warns Against Misinformation

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, operates a personal account on the platform X (formerly Twitter) and has made partisan posts.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission described the claim as false, malicious, and a coordinated attempt to discredit the INEC leadership.

INEC said the allegation was a fabrication aimed at undermining public confidence in the electoral umpire, particularly at a time when it is focused on electoral reforms and preparations for upcoming elections.

The commission clarified that the INEC chairman does not operate any personal X account and has never engaged in partisan political commentary in any capacity.

It also warned that cybercriminals have previously created fake accounts in the chairman’s name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public, adding that such accounts had been reported to security agencies.

INEC said the latest allegation followed a pattern of identity theft and misinformation intended to exploit the commission’s profile for criminal purposes.

It assured that it is working with relevant security and cyber-intelligence agencies to identify and prosecute those behind the fake accounts and related misinformation.

“The general public is hereby urged to disregard this falsehood in its entirety,” the commission said, adding that official communication will only be issued through verified channels.