The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned Nigerians against falling for fake social media content, describing recent claims involving its chairman as a case of digital impersonation aimed at undermining the institution.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Lawrence Bayode, clarified that the alleged social media activity linked to the commission’s chairman, Joash Amupitan, is not authentic.
According to Bayode, the chairman does not operate any personal account on X (formerly Twitter), stressing that any post attributed to such an account should be disregarded.
“Based on the Commission’s earlier statement, the chairman does not maintain any personal X account. Therefore, any content linked to such an account is not recognised as coming from him,” he said.
He noted that the issue extends beyond an individual, warning that digital impersonation poses a broader threat to democratic institutions.
“This is not just about a person. It highlights how misinformation and impersonation can be used to target public institutions,” Bayode added.
The controversy followed the circulation of a 2023 social media post, which resurfaced online alongside claims that an account bearing the chairman’s name interacted with it. The post, originally shared by Dayo Israel, celebrated electoral success in certain communities.
INEC, however, dismissed the claims, describing the viral content as misleading and part of a coordinated attempt to discredit the commission.
In a statement issued by its Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, the electoral body maintained that its chairman has never engaged in partisan commentary online.
“The allegation is false, baseless, and intended to mislead the public,” the statement read.
The commission further revealed that cybercriminals are increasingly using fake accounts and impersonation tactics to spread misinformation. It added that it is collaborating with security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.
INEC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and verify information before sharing, emphasising the importance of public trust in sustaining democracy.
“Our duty is to protect the truth and ensure Nigerians are not misled. In a democracy, trust must be earned,” Bayode said.
