The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed allegations that it copied a press statement from Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on New Media, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The controversy arose after INEC reposted a statement debunking reports that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, had endorsed a partisan post on X or operated a personal account on the platform. The statement, originally issued on April 10, 2026, by the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, described the allegations as baseless and warned about cybercriminals impersonating the chairman online.
However, a report by Peoples Gazette on Sunday claimed that Olusegun had shared a similar or identical statement hours before INEC’s publication, triggering reactions on social media and raising questions about the commission’s independence.
Some users alleged that the wording of both statements was identical, suggesting possible coordination with the Presidency.
Reacting in a statement posted on its official X handle, INEC denied the claims, insisting that it did not copy the statement from any individual or third party.
The commission stated that any prior circulation of the statement outside its official platforms was done independently and without its involvement.
It further described the Peoples Gazette report as “fake, misleading, and a misrepresentation of facts,” adding that its repost was intended solely to amplify accurate information earlier released by the commission.
INEC reaffirmed its non-partisan stance, stressing that its actions should not be misconstrued as alignment with any political office holder.
The commission also urged Nigerians to rely only on its verified official communication channels for accurate information and to disregard misleading interpretations.
The development comes amid growing scrutiny of INEC’s leadership and preparations for future elections, particularly the 2027 general elections, as recent decisions by the commission continue to attract criticism from opposition parties.
