Pressure is mounting on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over allegations linking him to a controversial social media account accused of posting partisan content during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.
The controversy, which has heightened political tension, follows an investigation by Daily Trust into activities associated with an account on X (Twitter). The account allegedly made posts perceived to favor the All Progressives Congress and its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.
The report has sparked reactions from political parties, civil society organizations, and members of the public, many of whom argue that the credibility of INEC could be at risk if the allegations are not convincingly addressed. Critics insist that the head of the electoral body must remain unquestionably neutral to sustain public confidence in the democratic process.
Several posts attributed to the account have drawn particular scrutiny. On March 17, 2023, the account reportedly reacted to discussions about supporters of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, describing them as “evil in the 24th century.” A day later, it allegedly responded to a message by APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, with the words: “Victory is sure.” In another instance, dated April 25, 2023, the account replied “Asiwaju” to a post celebrating Tinubu’s reception at the Abuja airport.
Investigators identified the account by a unique user ID and noted that it was originally created on September 6, 2022, under the handle @joashamupitan. As scrutiny intensified on April 10, 2026, the account reportedly changed its name to @Sundayvibe00, was locked, and later labeled as a parody account.
Digital analysts explained that while usernames on the platform can be altered, user IDs remain constant, allowing account histories to be traced. Around the same time the original handle was changed, a new account using the name @joashamupitan emerged, raising concerns about possible impersonation or deliberate identity recycling.
The investigation also explored claims that the account might have been linked to a phone number allegedly associated with the INEC chairman through two-factor authentication. However, analysts stated that no independent forensic evidence could confirm this connection using available open-source tools.
Responding to the allegations, the chairman, through his media aide, denied any involvement with the account, stating that he does not operate any profile on X and has never made partisan comments online. He reaffirmed his commitment to political neutrality in both his official duties and personal conduct.
INEC, through its Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, also dismissed the account as fake, noting that its multiple changes undermine its credibility.
Despite the denials, the fact-check concluded that there is evidence suggesting the account once operated under the handle @joashamupitan with a consistent posting history. However, it also emphasized that the emergence of another account with the same name, along with the absence of definitive technical proof linking the account to the chairman, makes it difficult to draw a final conclusion.
The claim was ultimately rated “mostly true,” a verdict that continues to fuel debate and raise questions about trust, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral system.
