INEC: Chairman Joash Amupitan Has No X Account, Warns Against Fake Posts

INEC: Chairman Joash Amupitan Has No X Account, Warns Against Fake Posts

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, does not operate any personal account on X (formerly Twitter), distancing him from controversial posts circulating online and allegedly linked to an impersonation account.

INEC’s clarification was reinforced by its ICT Director, Lawrence Bayode, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, where he confirmed that the commission had already issued an official statement addressing the issue.

Bayode stated that any content circulating under accounts claiming to represent the INEC chairman should be disregarded, stressing that such accounts are not recognised by the commission.

“Based on the official statement issued by the commission, the chairman does not maintain any personal X account. Any content attributed to such an account is not recognised by the commission as originating from him,” he said.

He explained that the controversy highlights a broader challenge of digital impersonation and misinformation, warning that false online identities can easily be used to mislead the public and damage trust in national institutions, particularly during sensitive political periods.

READ ALSO:

• Trump Claims 158 Iranian Ships Destroyed as US Enforces Naval Blockade in Gulf Region
• Wike Denies ADC Was Blocked From Using Eagle Square for Convention
• Judge Dismisses Trump’s $10bn Defamation Suit Against WSJ Over Epstein Report

According to him, INEC’s priority is to safeguard electoral integrity by ensuring that only verified and official communication channels are used for public information.

“And for me, this is not about an individual; this is about how digital impersonation and misinformation can target public institutions,” he added, emphasising the need for vigilance among citizens and media organisations.

INEC reiterated that the chairman’s official communications are released strictly through institutional platforms, including verified press statements, official briefings, and the commission’s corporate social media handles.

The clarification comes amid controversy over resurfaced posts attributed to a now-disputed X account allegedly linked to the INEC chairman. The commission insists the account is fake and should not be associated with its leadership.

INEC also urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing, warning that the spread of fake accounts and false statements could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

The commission further called on social media platforms to strengthen measures against impersonation accounts, particularly those targeting high-ranking public officials and sensitive democratic institutions.

As political discussions intensify ahead of future elections, INEC said it remains committed to transparency, neutrality, and protecting the integrity of electoral communication in Nigeria.

INEC: Chairman Joash Amupitan Has No X Account, Warns Against Fake Posts