The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, operates or has ever operated an account on X (formerly Twitter), describing the allegation as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission said the purported post attributed to the Chairman is “entirely baseless” and a fabrication intended to undermine his integrity and neutrality. INEC stressed that the Chairman has never engaged in partisan commentary or associated with any political interest in either his private or official capacity.

The Commission further described the circulation of the fake post as a deliberate attempt to create public distrust at a time when it is focused on electoral reforms and preparations for upcoming polls.

INEC also raised concerns over increasing cybercriminal activities involving fake social media accounts created in the Chairman’s name to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians. It revealed that several such accounts had previously been identified and reported to security agencies.

According to the statement, the Commission is collaborating with relevant security and cyber-intelligence agencies to track those responsible for the misinformation and identity theft. It warned that offenders would be prosecuted in line with the law, noting that such acts constitute offences under the Cybercrimes Act.

The Commission urged the public to disregard the fake post and rely only on its verified official channels for accurate information, reaffirming its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.