The Independent National Electoral Commission rejected allegations that Chairman Joash Amupitan posted partisan content supporting the All Progressives Congress on X. Lawrence Bayode, INEC's Director of Information and Communication Technology, told Channels Television's The Morning Brief on Monday that the commission found no verified forensic evidence connecting Amupitan to the disputed post.
The statement addresses recent claims that questioned Amupitan's impartiality as head of Nigeria's election management body. INEC's response emphasizes the absence of technical proof linking the chairman to the social media account activity. Bayode's public dismissal of the allegations underscores the commission's position that unfounded accusations cannot override factual investigation.
The controversy touches on broader concerns about electoral independence and the conduct of officials overseeing Nigeria's elections. INEC's rapid denial reflects the sensitivity surrounding any suggestion that its leadership favors particular political parties. The commission's reliance on forensic evidence as the standard for verification establishes the threshold required to substantiate such claims going forward.