INEC Dismisses Alleged 𝕏 Post Celebrating APC Victory

INEC denies chairman operates or owns any X account
Commission says viral post is fake and misleading
Agency working with security to track impersonators

The Independent National Electoral Commission has dismissed claims linking its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, to a social media account on 𝕏.

The denial follows the circulation of images online showing a post allegedly made in March 2023 by an account bearing the handle @joashamupitan, which appeared to celebrate a political victory by the All Progressives Congress in a local community.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the account was later renamed, restricted, and labelled as a parody after the images gained traction.

In a statement issued by the Chairman’s media office, INEC said it had been alerted to what it described as a coordinated spread of false information suggesting that Amupitan engaged in partisan commentary on the platform.

The Commission stated that the Chairman does not own or operate any personal account on 𝕏 and has never participated in political commentary.

INEC maintained that the circulating post is fabricated and designed to damage the Chairman’s reputation, particularly at a time when the Commission is focused on electoral reforms and preparations for future elections.

It added that the claims appear aimed at undermining public confidence in the neutrality of the electoral body.

The Commission also raised concerns over the growing trend of fake accounts created in the Chairman’s name, noting that such platforms have previously been used to mislead the public.

According to INEC, several of the accounts have already been reported to security agencies, with the latest incident reflecting a broader pattern of impersonation and online fraud.

The statement further disclosed that the Commission is collaborating with security agencies and cyber experts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the fake posts.

It warned that individuals found culpable would face prosecution under the Cybercrimes Act.

INEC urged members of the public to disregard the circulating claims and rely only on its official communication channels for verified information.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections nationwide.

Amupitan, who assumed office in October 2025, has recently faced scrutiny from some groups over his perceived neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, INEC insisted that the allegations are unfounded and part of attempts to mislead the public.