INEC Denounces Fake Social Media Account of Chairman Joash Ojo Ampitan
The Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Adedayo Oketola, has firmly stated that the X (formerly Twitter) account linked to INEC Chairman Joash Ojo Ampitan (SAN) is fraudulent and part of a targeted disinformation campaign.
Forensic Investigation Confirms Account is Not Authentic
In a statement released in Abuja, Oketola revealed that an extensive forensic investigation carried out by independent cybersecurity experts confirmed that the INEC Chairman does not maintain a personal X account. This investigation employed various methodologies, including forensic digital analysis using X Platform data, Internet Archive records, OSINT tools, identity forensics, and cross-platform analysis.
Posts Linking Ampitan to Fake Account Are Fraudulent
Oketola emphasized that all posts, replies, and screenshots linking Professor Ampitan to the handle @joashamupitan are fraudulent, technically unverifiable, and impossible to validate. He outlined the following significant findings from the forensic investigation.
Key Findings from the Investigation
The controversy erupted on April 10, 2026, when a social media post featuring purported digital recordings and screenshots claimed that the speaker had made a partisan remark in response to the statement, “Victory is certain.” However, the investigation revealed clear indications of impersonation. Notably:
- No Digital Link: The disputed X account lacks any connection to Professor Ampitan’s verified email address or phone number, with multiple recovery attempts failing.
- False Claims of Ownership: Claims regarding Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and OPay merely confirm identity but fail to prove control over the social media handle.
- Timestamp Discrepancies: The alleged response “Victory is certain” was posted 13 minutes before the original tweet, an event deemed technically impossible.
- Lack of Historical Record: A search via the Internet Archive revealed no evidence of the account prior to April 2026.
- Non-Existence on X Platform: Live checks confirm that the suspicious response never existed on the platform.
- Renaming Patterns: On the day the screenshot gained traction, the account was renamed to @sundayvibe00, made private, and labeled as a “parody account,” signaling deliberate impersonation.
- Coordinated Impersonation Efforts: At least seven fraudulent Facebook and Instagram accounts impersonating the Chairman have been identified, revealing ongoing disinformation tactics.
Evidence Highlights Digital Impersonation Strategy
Oketola stated, “The forensic evidence is comprehensive, multi-sourced, and unambiguous. The posts attributed to Professor Joash Ojo Ampitan on X are fabricated, and this account exemplifies impersonation.” He further referred to the incident as a coordinated campaign to mislead the public and cautioned that advancements in artificial intelligence make it easier to create deceptive content.
Call for Caution and Investigative Action
Oketola warned that viral content does not equate to authenticity and urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information. He called upon news organizations to prioritize accuracy over the speed of reporting, especially when dealing with information related to public officials.
Forensic Report Referred to Law Enforcement
The Chief Press Secretary noted that an independent forensic report has been submitted to law enforcement agencies for necessary action. He urged these agencies to investigate the origins of the fake accounts and prosecute those involved under the Cybercrime Act.
Importance of Rigor in Media Reporting
Oketola highlighted the responsibility of media organizations to apply stringent standards of forensic verification before publishing social media content. He stressed that accuracy should guide reporting, particularly when the implications are significant and can impact public trust or organizational credibility.
