The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that a purported X (formerly Twitter) account attributed to its Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, is fake and part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission said a comprehensive forensic investigation by independent cybersecurity experts confirmed that Prof. Amupitan does not operate any personal X account.
Oketola explained that the investigation employed multi-layered digital and forensic techniques, including analysis of X platform data, internet archive records, OSINT tools, identity forensics, and cross platform checks.
He stated that all posts, replies, and screenshots linking the Chairman to the handle @joashamupitan are fraudulent, unverifiable, and technically impossible.
The controversy began on April 10, 2026, when viral social media posts alleged that the INEC Chairman made a partisan comment “Victory is sure” supported by screenshots and supposed digital records.
However, the forensic probe found clear evidence of fabrication and impersonation as key findings include:
No verifiable link between the disputed account and the Chairman’s known email addresses or phone numbers
Claims involving BVN and OPay data only confirmed identity, not ownership of any social media account
Timestamp inconsistencies showing the alleged reply was posted 13 minutes before the original tweet
No record of the account or its activity on the Internet Archive prior to April 2026
Confirmation that the alleged reply does not exist on the X platform
Evidence that the account was later renamed @sundayvibe00, set to private, and labeled a parody account
Discovery of at least seven fake accounts across Facebook and Instagram impersonating the Chairman
“The forensic evidence is comprehensive and unambiguous. The posts attributed to Prof. Amupitan are fabricated, and the account is a clear case of impersonation,” Oketola said.
He quoted one of the investigators as describing the case as a “coordinated digital impersonation and disinformation campaign,” noting that advances in artificial intelligence have made such fabrications easier.
Oketola urged the public to avoid sharing unverified content, stressing that virality does not equate to authenticity. He also called on media organisations to prioritise accuracy over speed in reporting.
According to him, the forensic report has been forwarded to law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible prosecution under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
He added that INEC communicates only through its verified platforms, including its official website, verified X account (@inecnigeria), Facebook page, online news portal, and authorised press briefings in Abuja.
Any account claiming to represent the Chairman personally, he warned, should be treated as fraudulent unless officially confirmed by the Commission.