Activist Aisha Yesufu has raised serious concerns about the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, following its response to a fabricated social media account allegedly linked to its chairman, Joash Amupitan. In a statement shared on her verified X account on Tuesday, Yesufu accused INEC of undermining public trust by denying the existence of a fake account that had gone viral. She argued that the commission’s reaction, which she described as desperate, reveals a deeper crisis in its ability to manage transparency and accountability ahead of upcoming elections.
Yesufu’s criticism comes after INEC issued a public clarification on Monday, revealing that a fake X account named @joashamupitan had been used to spread misleading content, including the controversial post “Victory is sure.” The commission stated that a forensic investigation, supported by independent cybersecurity experts, confirmed no connection between the chairman and the account. INEC emphasized that the account was created through digital manipulation and impersonation, part of what it described as a coordinated effort to mislead the public.
Despite the technical findings, Yesufu dismissed INEC’s explanation as insufficient and unconvincing. She contended that the commission’s handling of the situation, particularly the tone and timing of its denial, further erodes confidence in its leadership. “This more than anything shows INEC under Joash Amupitan cannot be trusted to conduct free, fair and credible election,” she wrote. She added that Amupitan’s response had made him appear complicit in a cover-up, effectively positioning him as “a tool to be used” by forces seeking to manipulate public perception.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate across Nigerian social media and news platforms, with many citizens questioning INEC’s transparency and preparedness for the 2027 general elections. Critics argue that any perceived vulnerability in the commission’s digital security or communication strategy could be exploited during election periods. The incident also highlights the growing role of social media in shaping political narratives and the urgent need for electoral bodies to respond swiftly and credibly to online misinformation.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of electoral integrity and digital governance, the fallout from this fake account incident may influence public sentiment and voter trust. The coming months will be crucial for INEC to rebuild confidence through transparent communication and robust cybersecurity measures.
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