The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over digital impersonation, describing recent controversy involving its chairman as a misinformation campaign targeting the institution.

INEC’s ICT Director, Lawrence Bayode, clarified that the alleged partisan social media posts linked to the commission’s chairman, Joash Amupitan, did not originate from him.

He stated that the chairman does not operate any personal X (formerly Twitter) account, warning that any content attributed to such accounts should be treated as false.

According to him, the issue highlights the growing threat of digital impersonation and misinformation against public institutions, not just individuals.

The controversy followed the resurfacing of a 2023 post shared by Dayo Israel, which was later linked to claims that an account bearing the chairman’s name interacted with it.

INEC, however, dismissed the allegations, describing them as false and misleading, and part of a coordinated attempt to discredit the commission.

The commission’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, reiterated that the chairman has never engaged in partisan political commentary online.

INEC also warned that cybercriminals are increasingly using fake accounts and impersonation tactics to spread misinformation and mislead the public.

The commission added that it is working with security agencies to identify and prosecute those behind such activities, while urging Nigerians to verify information before sharing it.