The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied allegations linking its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, to a personal X (formerly Twitter) account, describing the claims as a “malicious and coordinated campaign of calumny” aimed at undermining the commission’s neutrality.
INEC insisted that Amupitan does not own or operate any personal X account and has never engaged in partisan commentary, adding that public officials are often targeted by impersonation accounts created by cybercriminals. The commission also said it is working with security agencies to trace those behind the alleged misinformation.
The controversy was discussed on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where 2023 SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo and tech expert Gbenga Sesan offered contrasting views on the matter.
Adebayo argued that digital footprints can be forensically verified and suggested that the issue could be resolved through court action or a National Assembly investigation. He added that even if the account were linked to Amupitan, it would not automatically disqualify him, but denying ownership if proven could raise integrity concerns.
However, Sesan questioned INEC’s outright denial, pointing to digital archive tools such as the Wayback Machine, which he said contained records of an account bearing Amupitan’s name. He also noted that social media accounts require verified contact details, suggesting that ownership could be established through forensic checks.
The debate has sparked wider reactions from political actors and civil society groups, with some calling for further investigation while others dismiss the allegations as politically motivated. Amupitan, who was nominated by President Bola Tinubu in October 2025 and confirmed by the Senate as INEC Chairman, has yet to personally respond to the controversy.
