The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed as false and misleading claims circulating on social media alleging that its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, operates a personal account on X (formerly Twitter) and engaged in partisan commentary.

In a press statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, described the allegation as “entirely baseless” and a deliberate fabrication aimed at undermining the credibility and neutrality of the Commission’s leadership.

According to the statement, the INEC Chairman does not own or operate any personal account on X and has never endorsed or associated himself with any partisan political activity, either publicly or privately.

The Commission noted that the viral post in question forms part of a coordinated campaign of misinformation intended to erode public trust, particularly at a time when INEC is undertaking key electoral reforms and preparing for upcoming elections.

INEC further revealed that cybercriminals have previously created fake social media accounts in the Chairman’s name to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians. It stated that several of such accounts had already been identified and reported to relevant security agencies.

Describing the latest development as a continuation of fraudulent activities, the Commission assured the public that it is working closely with security agencies and cyber-intelligence units to track down those responsible.

INEC warned that perpetrators of identity theft and dissemination of false or manipulated online content would face prosecution under the Cybercrimes Act, stressing that the Commission would not tolerate attempts to malign its leadership.

The public was urged to disregard the false claims and rely only on verified institutional channels and official press statements for accurate information regarding the Commission’s activities.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, stating that it remains focused on its constitutional mandate despite attempts to distract or discredit it.