Fake X Account Saga: Forensic Probe Clears Amupitan – INEC

 …..As Commission claims it hunts impostors

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched a manhunt for individuals behind a fake X (formerly Twitter) account falsely linked to its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, after a forensic investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing.

The commission said the probe, conducted using advanced cybersecurity tools, found that the viral screenshots suggesting the INEC boss made a partisan post were fabricated and part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.

The controversy had erupted weeks ago after screenshots circulated online, alleging that an account bearing Amupitan’s name posted “Victory is sure” in response to a political message.

 The claims gained traction alongside purported links to emails, phone numbers, and BVN records.

However, INEC, in a statement signed by the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, dismissed the allegations as false and technically impossible.

According to the forensic report, the disputed X account was an impersonation with no connection to Amupitan’s official contacts or identity.

“A key finding shows the alleged reply was posted 13 minutes before the original tweet  an impossibility on any digital platform,” the report noted.

Investigators further revealed that the supposed post does not exist on X or in archived internet records, including the Wayback Machine.

The probe also uncovered a pattern of deliberate impersonation. On the day the screenshots went viral, the account reportedly changed its handle, was set to private, and later labelled a parody account  moves interpreted as attempts to erase evidence.

INEC added that at least seven other fake accounts across Facebook and Instagram were linked to similar identity misuse, pointing to a coordinated multi-platform effort.

Debunking claims of digital linkage, the commission stressed that there was no verifiable connection between the account and the chairman’s email, phone number, or BVN.

“A phone number in BVN records does not establish ownership of a social media account,” the report clarified.

INEC said the matter has been referred to security agencies for investigation and possible prosecution under the Cybercrimes Act.

The commission also warned the public and media organisations against spreading unverified content, urging stricter fact-checking standards.

Reaffirming its position, INEC stated that Prof. Amupitan does not operate any personal social media account and advised the public to rely only on official communication channels.