A fresh controversy has emerged over alleged past social media activity associated with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, with claims suggesting he once expressed partisan views during the 2023 general elections.
The allegation, which has been denied by the electoral body, gained prominence after a United States-based Nigerian scholar, Farooq Kperogi, published a column claiming that archived posts from an X account bearing Amupitan’s name showed support for the All Progressives Congress and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Kperogi argued that the alleged posts raise concerns about the neutrality of the electoral umpire and called on the INEC chairman to step aside.
He shared excerpts from the account, including a post that read, “Victory is sure!” in response to a message by APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel.
Another post linked to the account celebrated what was described as electoral success in a community where the APC had previously struggled, stating that collaboration with youths helped secure victories in several polling units.
The publication triggered widespread reactions on social media, with Nigerians expressing divergent views on both the authenticity of the account and the implications of the allegation.
Some users insisted that, if verified, the posts would raise serious ethical questions about the credibility of the electoral body.
One commenter described the situation as an “insult to public intelligence,” while another questioned how a public official in such a sensitive position could deny the claims if they were true.
Others called for decisive action, warning that the controversy could further weaken public trust in the commission ahead of future elections.
A user noted that confidence in the electoral process was already being undermined even before the next polls.
However, several respondents dismissed the claims as inconclusive, arguing that there is no concrete evidence linking the account to the INEC chairman.
They pointed out that the account in question had reportedly undergone multiple username changes, casting doubt on its ownership.
Some commentators also cautioned against relying on unverified digital tools to establish identity, stressing the need for credible proof before drawing conclusions.
Amid the debate, calls for broader electoral reforms resurfaced, with suggestions that recommendations from past committees, including the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee, should be implemented to strengthen the independence of INEC leadership.
Responding to the controversy earlier, INEC dismissed the allegation as false, maintaining that its chairman does not operate any account on X.
The commission, in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the chairman, Adedayo Oketola, warned about impersonators and cybercriminals using fake identities to spread misinformation.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to credible elections and urged Nigerians to rely only on its verified communication channels.
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