•Insists reports are misleading
By Lateef Ibrahim
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed allegations that it copied a press statement from Dada Olusegun, describing such claims as false and misleading.
The controversy followed the Commission’s reposting of a statement addressing allegations that its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, had endorsed a partisan message on social media platform X or operated a personal account.
In the statement issued and signed by the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, INEC described the claims against Amupitan as baseless and a fabrication, warning Nigerians about fake accounts impersonating the chairman online.
Peoples Daily reports that a report by Peoples Gazette alleged that a similar statement had earlier been posted by Olusegun, raising concerns among some Nigerians about possible coordination between INEC and the Presidency.
Reacting in a post on its official X handle on Sunday, INEC denied copying the statement from any individual or group.
The Commission stated that any circulation of the statement outside its official channels was done independently and not authorised by INEC.
It further described the report suggesting otherwise as “fake, misleading, and a misrepresentation of facts,” adding that its repost was merely to amplify information already released through its official channels.
INEC reaffirmed its neutrality, stressing that it remains strictly non-partisan and urging Nigerians to disregard interpretations suggesting alignment with political actors.
The electoral body also advised the public to rely only on its verified platforms for accurate information.
The development comes amid increased scrutiny of INEC’s activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, as well as recent controversies surrounding its decisions, including actions affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
