INEC Dismisses Social Media Claims, Describes Controversy as Digital Impersonation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged partisan social media posts linked to its chairman as a case of digital impersonation targeting the institution.
INEC’s ICT Director, Lawrence Bayode, made this known during an interview on Channels Television on Monday while reacting to resurfaced posts attributed to an account allegedly connected to the commission’s chairman, Joash Amupitan.
Bayode stated that the chairman does not operate any personal account on X (formerly Twitter), stressing that any content linked to such an account is not recognised by the commission.
“Based on the official statement issued by the Commission, the Chairman does not maintain any personal X account. Therefore, any content being attributed to such an account is not recognised by the Commission,” he said.
He emphasized that the issue extends beyond an individual, warning of the broader risks posed by misinformation and digital impersonation to public institutions.
“This is not about an individual. It is about how digital impersonation and misinformation can target public institutions,” Bayode added, calling for vigilance and responsible information sharing.
The controversy stems from a 2023 post shared by Dayo Israel, which recently resurfaced online alongside claims that an account bearing the chairman’s name responded with a message suggesting partisan alignment.
INEC, however, dismissed the claims as false and misleading. In an earlier statement, the commission described the viral content as part of a coordinated attempt to undermine public confidence in the electoral body.
It further warned that cybercriminals are exploiting fake social media accounts to mislead the public, adding that it is collaborating with security agencies to identify and prosecute those behind the impersonation.
The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency, urging Nigerians to verify information through official channels and remain cautious of unverified online content.
INEC Dismisses Social Media Claims, Describes Controversy as Digital Impersonation