The Independent National Electoral Commission has said recent controversy involving social media posts attributed to its chairman is the result of digital impersonation aimed at misleading the public and damaging the institution’s image.
The clarification was given by the commission’s ICT Director, Lawrence Bayode, during a television interview. He explained that the chairman, Joash Amupitan, does not operate any personal account on the social media platform X, and any posts linked to such an account should not be considered genuine.
According to the commission, the issue is not just about one individual but part of a wider pattern of misinformation targeting public institutions. It noted that such actions could mislead citizens and affect public trust, especially in a democratic setting where accurate information is important.
The situation began after an old post from 2023 resurfaced online. The post, originally shared by Dayo Israel, later circulated alongside claims that an account bearing the chairman’s name interacted with it. This led to speculation about political bias involving the electoral body.
INEC, however, dismissed the claims, stating that the chairman has never been involved in partisan discussions online. It described the circulating material as false and intended to mislead the public.
The commission also warned that cybercriminals are using fake accounts and impersonation tactics to spread false information. It added that steps are being taken in collaboration with security agencies to identify those responsible and prevent further incidents.
INEC urged Nigerians to verify information before accepting or sharing it, noting that public trust in democratic institutions depends on access to accurate and reliable information.