The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, has firmly denied any link to a viral social media post that allegedly showed him endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 general elections, describing the claim as false and misleading.
The controversy, first reported by The Trumpet Newspaper, followed the circulation of a screenshot purportedly from an account bearing the chairman’s name, congratulating Tinubu after his electoral victory. The post quickly gained traction online, sparking debate over the neutrality of the electoral body.
INEC has since clarified that the account in question was created in April 2026, well after the 2023 elections, effectively discrediting any suggestion that the chairman was involved in partisan commentary at the time.
Speaking through his media aide, Adedayo Oketola, Amupitan stated that he does not own or operate any account on the social media platform X. He urged Nigerians to remain cautious and avoid falling victim to fake profiles impersonating public officials.
In an official statement, the commission described the allegation as a deliberate attempt to erode public trust, calling it a coordinated campaign designed to damage the credibility and independence of its leadership. INEC maintained that its chairman has never engaged in partisan political activity, either in public or in private.
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The commission also revealed that several fake accounts using Amupitan’s identity had been previously identified and reported. It warned that such impersonation is often used by cybercriminals to misinform the public and, in some cases, defraud unsuspecting individuals.
INEC confirmed that it is working with security agencies to track down those responsible, stressing that identity theft and the spread of false information are offences punishable under Nigerian law.
Amid the controversy, the electoral body reiterated its commitment to transparent and credible elections, assuring citizens that all official communications will only be issued through verified channels.
