INEC Chairman Amupitan Disowns Viral Post, Cries Sabotage

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm over what it described as a “malicious and coordinated campaign of calumny” targeting its chairman, dismissing claims that he endorsed a partisan post on social media.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the commission said the allegation that its chairman, Joash Amupitan operates or previously engaged with a social media account to promote partisan views is “entirely baseless” and a “total fabrication.”

“The false claim alleges that the INEC chairman… has, in the past, endorsed a partisan post,” the statement read, adding “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 stressed that the chairman does not own or operate any personal account on the platform and has never engaged in partisan commentary in either his private or official capacity.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the INEC chairman does not own or operate any personal account… 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 commission said.

The electoral body described the viral post as a “contrived” attempt to undermine the credibility of its leadership at a critical time when it is focused on electoral reforms and preparations for upcoming polls.

“This contrived 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,” the statement added.

INEC also disclosed that the development is part of a broader pattern of cyber fraud involving fake accounts created in the chairman’s name to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians.

“Cybercriminals have been on the prowl, utilising fake social media accounts in the chairman’s name to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians,” it said, declaring “We wish to place it on record that several of such fraudulent accounts had been identified and reported to security agencies in the past. This latest fabrication is merely a continuation of a criminal pattern.”

The commission said it is working with security agencies and cyber-intelligence units to track down those responsible, warning that perpetrators will face prosecution.

“The commission will not fold its arms while the character of its leadership is being assassinated by digital imposters and mischief-makers,” the statement read.

Also insisting, “Let it be clearly understood that the commission will ensure that these imposters face the full wrath of the law.”

INEC emphasised that identity theft and the spread of forged social media content are criminal offences under the Cybercrimes Act, vowing to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.

“The general public is hereby urged to disregard this falsehood in its entirety,” the commission added, noting that official information will only be disseminated through its verified institutional channels and formal press statements.

Reaffirming its commitment, INEC said it remains focused on delivering “free, fair, and credible elections” despite what it described as attempts to distract and discredit its leadership.