Amupitan Denies Operating X Account, Says DSS, Police Investigating Allegations
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has denied operating a social media account on X allegedly linked to his phone number, insisting that he remains politically neutral.
Amupitan said he had never owned or operated an account on any social media platform, adding that an independent forensic examination had been conducted to investigate the allegations.
He disclosed that the matter had also been referred to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police for further investigation.
The INEC chairman made the disclosure on Thursday while speaking at a high-level event organised by Chatham House in London in collaboration with the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).
Responding to concerns about his previous involvement in politically sensitive court cases and whether his professional history could affect his impartiality as electoral umpire, Amupitan explained that his participation in those matters was strictly based on his responsibilities as a lawyer before his appointment.
He reaffirmed his commitment to conducting the commission’s affairs in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws, insisting that political interests would not influence his decisions.
“My loyalty is solely to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act,” he said.
“Every constitutional institution—including the Presidency, the National Assembly, and state governors—owes its primary loyalty to the Constitution and the rule of law.”
Amupitan also addressed concerns about alleged irregularities in the national voter register, including a report claiming that the number of registered voters in a ward in Ebonyi State had increased by 85 per cent.
He said INEC had examined the complaint and taken steps to address the matter in line with the law.
The electoral chief further explained that the Electoral Act allows Nigerians to raise objections, submit claims and request certified true copies of the voter register as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability.
On youth participation in democracy, Amupitan urged young Nigerians to become more actively involved in shaping the country’s political future.
He warned that misinformation and digital disinformation posed significant threats to public confidence in democratic institutions, urging citizens to verify information before sharing it.
“This country belongs to young Nigerians, and they must continue working toward the Nigeria they want,” he said.
“Misinformation is among the greatest dangers facing our democracy. Citizens should verify information before acting on it or sharing it, and allow our democracy the opportunity to succeed.”
Nigeria’s 2027 general elections are scheduled to take place in two phases, with the presidential and National Assembly elections set for January 16, followed by governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, according to the schedule provided in the report.