Online reactions question credibility of probe, demand transparency as doubts grow over electoral body’s neutrality ahead of 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing a wave of public skepticism after declaring that an X (formerly Twitter) account bearing the name of its Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, was fake and part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.

In a statement released Monday, the commission said its forensic cybersecurity investigation found that the handle, @joashamupitan, was created through impersonation. The account had circulated a controversial “Victory is sure” message during the 2023 general elections, sparking widespread attention at the time.

INEC pointed to several technical red flags, including inconsistent timestamps on replies, absence of verifiable personal identifiers linking the account to the chairman, and a sudden name change and privatisation of the handle on the day related screenshots gained traction online. It reiterated that Prof. Amupitan does not operate any personal social media accounts and warned that those responsible for the alleged impersonation would face legal consequences.

Despite the commission’s explanation, the findings have been met with sharp criticism, particularly on X, where many Nigerians have openly challenged the credibility of the report.

Trending discussions reveal persistent doubts about the thoroughness and transparency of the investigation. Critics argue that the absence of detailed disclosures—such as verification of linked emails, phone numbers, or identity markers—weakens INEC’s claims and leaves critical questions unanswered.

Others have raised concerns about the timing of the report, suggesting it appears politically convenient given the sensitivity surrounding the 2023 elections and the account’s previous activity. For many, the controversy has reinforced broader concerns about the electoral body’s independence.

Calls for accountability have grown louder, with several users urging an independent review of the forensic analysis to restore public confidence. The episode, observers say, risks deepening mistrust in INEC as the country looks ahead to the 2027 general elections.

As of now, the commission has not issued any additional response to the growing wave of skepticism online.