Amupitan does not own an X account, has never engaged in partisan commentary – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that Joash Amupitan, its chairman, owns a personal account on X.

Recently, claims circulated online alleging that Amupitan operated a personal account on X and had used it to endorse or interact with a partisan post.

However, in a statement on Friday, Adedayo Oketola, chief press secretary (CPS) to the INEC chairman, described the allegation as “entirely baseless, a total fabrication, and a figment of the imagination of its purveyors.”

Oketola said Amupitan has not engaged in political commentary and urged the public to ignore the misinformation campaign.

“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 reads.

The spokesperson to the INEC chairman said the viral post was part of a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity and neutrality of his principal at a critical period when the commission is focused on significant electoral reforms and preparations for upcoming polls.

He also raised concerns about fraudulent social media accounts impersonating Amupitan, warning that such platforms have been used to scam Nigerians.

“Cybercriminals have been on the prowl, utilising fake social media accounts in the Chairman’s name to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians,” Oketola added.

He noted that several such accounts had already been reported to security agencies, adding that the commission is working with law enforcement and cyber-intelligence units to identify those behind the impersonation and misinformation.