By Our Correspondent

National News – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly denied allegations that it copied a press statement from Dada Olusegun, a Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on New Media.

The commission described the claims as false, misleading, and a misrepresentation of facts.

The controversy emerged on Sunday, April 12, 2026, following reports that INEC reposted a statement similar to one earlier shared by Olusegun.

The statement was originally issued on April 10, 2026, to debunk allegations that INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, endorsed a partisan post on X or operated a personal account on the platform.

According to INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, the claims against the chairman were “entirely baseless” and a fabrication.

The commission warned that cybercriminals may be creating fake social media accounts in the chairman’s name to mislead the public.

However, a report by Peoples Gazette suggested that Olusegun had published a nearly identical statement hours before INEC’s official release.

This sparked reactions online, with some Nigerians questioning the electoral body’s independence and alleging possible coordination with the Presidency.

Responding to the backlash, INEC clarified via its official X handle that any circulation of the statement outside its verified platforms was done independently and without its involvement.

The commission emphasized that its repost was solely to amplify accurate information already released internally.

INEC further reaffirmed its non-partisan stance, stressing that it remains committed to neutrality in all electoral matters.

It urged Nigerians to disregard misleading interpretations and rely only on its official communication channels for verified updates.

The development comes amid growing scrutiny of INEC’s leadership and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, raising broader concerns about transparency and public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.