INEC denies copying Tinubu aide’s statement

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

In a rebuttal posted on its official Facebook page on Sunday, the electoral body said its statement was independently produced and not sourced from any third party, contrary to reports circulating online.

INEC specifically faulted a publication by Peoples Gazette titled “Nigerians react as INEC reposts Tinubu aide’s message,” which suggested that the commission reposted or relied on content originally shared by a presidential aide.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission did not copy its recent press statement from any third party,” the commission said, adding that any circulation of the statement outside its official channels was done without its coordination.

The controversy stems from a social media post by Dada Olusegun, a special assistant to the president on digital communications, who had earlier shared a statement addressing allegations that INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, supported President Tinubu during the 2023 general election.

The similarity between the aide’s post and INEC’s subsequent statement sparked reactions online, with some users alleging that the commission had reproduced the aide’s version without modification.

However, INEC dismissed such claims, insisting that its repost was intended solely to amplify accurate information already released through its official platforms.

“INEC’s repost of the statement was solely to amplify accurate information earlier released from the Commission and should not be misconstrued as alignment with any individual or political office holder,” the statement said.

The commission further emphasised its neutrality, reiterating that it remains strictly non-partisan in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

It urged members of the public to disregard what it described as misleading interpretations of its actions, stressing that the integrity of its communication processes had not been compromised.

The rebuttal comes amid heightened scrutiny of the electoral body following allegations by political actors and commentators questioning its independence and perceived alignment during the 2023 elections.