A fresh controversy has emerged over alleged past social media activity linked to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, with claims suggesting he once expressed partisan views ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The development followed allegations that an X account bearing his name posted comments perceived to be supportive of the All Progressives Congress and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
However, the electoral body has dismissed the claims, insisting that the INEC chairman is not associated with the account in question.
The controversy gained momentum after a United States-based Nigerian academic, Farooq Kperogi, published a column referencing archived posts allegedly traced to the account. He argued that the content, if authentic, could undermine public trust in the neutrality of the electoral commission and called for Amupitan’s resignation.
One of the posts attributed to the account included a celebratory remark following an APC victory narrative, which has since circulated widely online.
The publication triggered mixed reactions across social media platforms, with Nigerians sharply divided over the authenticity of the account and the implications of the claims.
While some commentators insisted that the alleged posts raised serious ethical concerns about the impartiality of the electoral umpire, others questioned the credibility of the evidence, noting inconsistencies in the account’s identity.
Several users argued that the account had undergone multiple name changes, casting doubt on whether it could be reliably linked to the INEC chairman.
Amid the debate, some stakeholders called for broader electoral reforms to strengthen the independence of the commission, including revisiting recommendations from past reform committees.
Others warned that the unfolding controversy, regardless of its outcome, could erode public confidence in the electoral process ahead of future polls.
Responding to the allegations, INEC, in an earlier statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Adedayo Oketola, described the claims as false.
The commission maintained that Amupitan does not operate any account on X, cautioning the public against falling victim to impersonators and misinformation.
INEC also reaffirmed its commitment to credible electoral processes, urging citizens to rely solely on its verified communication channels for official information.
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