INEC Clears Air On Reports Of Copying Statement From Tinubu’s Aide

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims that it copied a press statement from Dada Olusegun, an aide to President Bola Tinubu, describing the reports as false and misleading.

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Naija News reports that the issue began after the commission shared a statement meant to clear allegations that its chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, supported a political post on 𝕏 or operated a personal account on the platform.

The statement, released on April 10, 2026, by the chairman’s media office, stated that the claims against him were not true and warned that fake accounts were being used in his name.

However, a report by Peoples Gazette claimed that Olusegun had posted a similar message hours before INEC made its own publication public.

The report also noted reactions from social media users who questioned the electoral body’s independence and suggested possible links between the commission and the Presidency.

Reacting to the report, INEC said the claim that it copied the statement was incorrect. The commission explained that any version of the statement seen outside its official platforms was shared without its involvement and was not coordinated by the commission.

INEC also stated that reposting the statement was simply to spread correct information already released through its channels and should not be taken as support for any individual or political office holder.

The commission maintained that it remains neutral in political matters and advised Nigerians to ignore claims suggesting otherwise. It also urged the public to rely only on its verified platforms for accurate updates.

The situation comes at a time when INEC is facing public scrutiny, especially with preparations ongoing for future elections, including the 2027 general polls.