Eshioromeh Sebastian, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed to unmask the individuals behind a series of fake, partisan tweets attributed to its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, describing the posts as a malicious and coordinated campaign of calumny.
The commission declared that it is already working closely with security operatives and cyber-intelligence units to track down the digital imposters, insisting that it will not fold its arms “while the character of its leadership is being assassinated.”
INEC vowed to take this action for three key reasons. First, to protect the Chairman’s integrity and neutrality at a critical period when the commission is focused on significant electoral reforms and preparations for upcoming polls, stating that the fake tweets were a desperate attempt to stir public distrust in the electoral umpire.
Second, to counter a coordinated political attack, as the viral tweets allegedly showed Amupitan endorsing the All Progressives Congress (APC) and condemning the Obidient Movement, which triggered calls from opposition supporters for the Chairman’s sack.
Third, to stop ongoing cybercrimes, as criminals have been using fake accounts in the Chairman’s name to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
In a statement by Adedayo Oketola, his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, the commission categorically stated that Prof. Amupitan has never operated an X account.
“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,” Oketola said.
He described the claim that Amupitan authored the tweets as “entirely baseless, a total fabrication, and a figment of the imagination of its purveyors.”
INEC warned that those responsible will face the full wrath of the law, noting that identity theft and the dissemination of deepfake or forged social media interactions are criminal offenses under the Cybercrimes Act.
“We wish to notify the public that we are working in close collaboration with relevant security agencies and cyber-intelligence units to track and identify the individuals or groups behind this identity theft and misinformation,” the commission said. “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 to others who believe the digital space is a safe haven for criminality.”
INEC urged the general public to disregard the falsehood in its entirety, adding that it will continue to disseminate official information only through its verified institutional channels and formal press statements.
“The Commission remains undeterred and fully committed to its mandate of delivering free, fair, and credible elections for all Nigerians,” INEC said.
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