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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that a forensic investigation has cleared its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, of allegations linking him to partisan social media posts. The controversy had erupted after viral screenshots circulated online, claiming he operated an X (formerly Twitter) account that made politically biased comments. 
According to INEC, a detailed independent forensic and cybersecurity analysis found that the claims were “fabricated, technically impossible, and part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.” The report concluded that Amupitan does not operate any personal X account, and that the handle attributed to him was a case of impersonation. Investigators used platform data, timestamp checks, and digital archive tools to verify that the alleged posts never existed on the platform. 
One of the key findings highlighted inconsistencies in the viral content, including a supposed reply that appeared before the original post it was responding to, something described as impossible on any digital platform. The investigation also found no link between the fake account and the chairman’s verified email, phone number, or official records, further discrediting the allegations. 
INEC has since referred the matter to law enforcement agencies, seeking the arrest and prosecution of those behind the impersonation under cybercrime laws. The commission also warned the public and media organisations against sharing unverified content, stressing that all official communications from the chairman are issued only through verified INEC channels. 
