The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has said he is not on X social media platform.

Prof. Amupitan, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola, said the allegation on social media that he made a partisan post on X in 2023, was false and a fabrication.

“The commission wishes to state categorically that this allegation is entirely baseless, a total fabrication, and a figment of the imagination of its purveyors,” the statement added.

Prof. Amupitan stated that at no time did he engage in partisan commentary, nor has he ever associated himself with any political leaning or activity in his private or public capacity.

“This contrived X post is a desperate attempt to impugn the integrity and neutrality of the Chairman at a critical period when the commission is focused on significant electoral reforms and preparations for upcoming polls.

“It is a needless distraction designed to stir public distrust in the electoral umpire,” he said.

The INEC Chairman warned that cybercriminals might have been using fake social media accounts in his name to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians, disclosing that several of such fraudulent accounts had been identified and reported to security agencies in the past.

“This latest fabrication is merely a continuation of a criminal pattern aimed at exploiting the commission’s profile for illicit gains,” he said.

Prof. Amupitan stated that he is working with relevant security agencies and cyber-intelligence units to track and identify the individuals or groups behind this identity theft and misinformation.

“Let it be clearly understood that the commission will ensure that these imposters face the full wrath of the law.

“Identity theft and the dissemination of deepfake or forged social media interactions are criminal offenses under the Cybercrimes Act.

“Those responsible for this mischief will be tracked and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others who believe the digital space is a safe haven for criminality,” he assured.

He urged members of the public to disregard this falsehood in its entirety, stating that the commission would continue to disseminate official information regarding it and the Chairman’s activities only through verified institutional channels and formal press statements.