Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, may have inadvertently confirmed that Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), owns the controversial Twitter account linked to a pro-APC message posted ahead of the 2023 elections.
However, Akpabio defended Amupitan, claiming that the tweet was manipulated and did not specifically support any political party.
At the inauguration of the new Nigeria Revenue Service headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Akpabio addressed the growing controversy, dismissing claims that the tweet, which included the words “Victory is sure,” was directed at any political party. He argued that the statement did not name the APC or the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and suggested the tweet had been misrepresented. “The tweet was manipulated,” Akpabio stated, clarifying that it was not an endorsement of either party.
In his defense, Akpabio also pointed out that Amupitan was a university lecturer at the time and not yet the INEC chairman, so he had every right to express personal political views. “Anybody can support anybody they wish to support,” Akpabio said, emphasizing that such freedoms are allowed in a private capacity. However, he stressed that once a person assumes a public office, like the INEC chairmanship, neutrality must be maintained for the sake of national integrity.
The controversy originated from a tweet in March 2023, which critics claimed showed Amupitan’s support for the APC. Despite evidence suggesting otherwise, INEC officials have denied that Amupitan owned or operated any personal social media accounts and have insisted that he did not engage in any partisan activity. An official statement from INEC continues to assert that Amupitan was not involved in any partisan behavior, either in his private or public life.
INEC’s ICT Director, Lawrence Bayode, confirmed that the commission had referred the matter to security agencies. He also revealed that a third-party forensic expert would be engaged to investigate the authenticity of the tweet, with a view to resolving the dispute.
Several political parties, including opposition groups, have voiced concerns that Amupitan’s continued leadership at INEC could compromise the commission’s neutrality and independence, particularly as Nigeria heads into the 2027 general elections. They argue that his perceived partisan leanings could erode public trust in INEC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections.
Alongside political parties, many Nigerians have expressed their unease, with public outcry growing louder. They fear that if Amupitan remains in office, his leadership could result in a biased electoral environment, undermining the fairness of the 2027 polls.
The case continues to stir debate over the neutrality of electoral officials, with critics questioning whether Amupitan’s personal actions despite being made prior to his official appointment could undermine public trust in the independence of INEC and the credibility of the electoral process.
