Akombo Aondona
The national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted claims of partisan bias on social media alleging that he endorsed a political post on the platform X.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Adedayo Oketola, chief press secretary and media adviser to the INEC chairman, described the allegations as baseless and a “total fabrication”.
The commission clarified that Joash Amupitan, the chairman, does not own or operate any personal account on X.
“He has at no time engaged in partisan commentary, nor has he ever associated himself with any political leaning or activity in his private or public capacity,” the statement said.
The office of the chairman described the reports as a malicious and coordinated campaign of calumny designed to undermine the integrity of the electoral umpire. According to the commission, the contrived post represents a desperate attempt to impugn the neutrality of the leadership during a critical period of electoral reform.
Beyond the political mischief, the commission warned that cybercriminals have been using fake social media accounts in the chairman’s name to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians. Several fraudulent accounts have already been identified and reported to security agencies as part of a recurring criminal pattern.
The commission said it will not tolerate the assassination of its leadership’s character by “digital imposters”. It is currently working with security agencies and cyber-intelligence units to track and identify the individuals behind the identity theft.
”Let it be clearly understood that the commission will ensure that these imposters face the full wrath of the law,” the statement read. Identity theft and the dissemination of forged social media interactions are criminal offences under the Cybercrimes Act, and those responsible will be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.
The general public has been urged to disregard the falsehoods and rely only on verified institutional channels for official information. The commission remains committed to its mandate of delivering free, fair, and credible elections.
Source: Businessday.ng | Read the Full Story…
