INEC Exposes Fake X Account Impersonating Chairman Joash Amupitan

INEC Exposes Fake X Account Impersonating Chairman Joash Amupitan

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it has uncovered a fabricated account on X (formerly Twitter) impersonating its Chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, following a detailed forensic investigation that exposed a coordinated disinformation campaign targeting the commission.

The development was disclosed through the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, who said INEC commissioned independent cybersecurity experts to carry out a multi-layered forensic investigation into the alleged account and related online activities.

According to the commission, the investigation relied on X platform data analysis, digital identity forensics, OSINT tools, internet archive records, and cross-platform tracking, all of which confirmed that the INEC Chairman does not operate any personal X account.

INEC stated that all posts, replies, and screenshots attributed to the handle in question were fraudulent, technically inconsistent, and digitally unverifiable, describing the entire activity as part of a coordinated attempt to mislead the public.

Forensic findings expose manipulation and impersonation

The electoral body outlined key findings from the investigation, beginning with the absence of any digital linkage between the alleged account and the Chairman’s verified contact details, including email addresses and phone numbers.

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The commission also dismissed claims suggesting ownership through financial identity data, noting that such information does not prove control of any social media account.

One of the most critical discoveries was timestamp manipulation, where an alleged reply (“Victory is sure”) was posted before the original tweet it was said to have responded to — a technical impossibility that strongly indicated fabrication.

INEC further confirmed that there was no historical record of the account on internet archive platforms and no trace of the alleged posts on X itself, reinforcing the conclusion that the content was manufactured.

Investigators also observed that the account was later renamed, switched to private mode, and labelled as a “parody account” shortly after the screenshots went viral, suggesting an attempt to conceal the impersonation.

The commission also identified at least seven additional fake accounts across Facebook and Instagram using the Chairman’s identity, describing the trend as a sustained coordinated disinformation campaign.

INEC warns against misinformation and viral fake content

INEC cautioned Nigerians against sharing unverified social media content, stressing that online virality does not confirm authenticity.

The commission urged journalists, political actors, and the public to verify all information through official INEC communication channels before dissemination, especially during politically sensitive periods.

It also called on social media platforms, particularly X, to strengthen monitoring systems and take swift action against impersonation accounts used to spread misinformation.

Case referred to security agencies

INEC confirmed that the full forensic report has been submitted to relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible prosecution under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

The commission further urged media organisations to adopt stricter verification standards when reporting social media content, particularly where public officials are involved, warning that accuracy must take priority over speed in news reporting.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting electoral integrity, strengthening digital communication systems, and preventing future social media impersonation and misinformation campaigns against public institutions.

INEC Exposes Fake X Account Impersonating Chairman Joash Amupitan