The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the National Assembly to investigate allegations tied to social media posts reportedly linked to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan.
In a statement shared on its official X account on Monday, April 13, the organisation urged lawmakers to deploy their constitutional oversight powers to carry out what it described as a credible, impartial, transparent and effective inquiry into both the allegations and INEC’s response.
SERAP argued that the issue extends beyond online controversy, noting that it raises serious concerns about the credibility and perceived neutrality of the country’s electoral body.
“The credibility of INEC is essential to the integrity and legitimacy of Nigeria’s electoral process, and any allegations that may undermine this credibility must be promptly, thoroughly, transparently and effectively investigated,” SERAP said.
The group emphasised that the National Assembly is empowered under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to investigate public institutions and officials in order to expose corruption, inefficiency, or abuse of office.
“No public official or institution is above scrutiny, and the National Assembly has a constitutional duty to ensure that allegations of wrongdoing are not ignored or swept under the carpet,” it added.
SERAP further noted that Nigeria’s obligations under international frameworks such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights reinforce the need for transparency, accountability, and fairness in governance.
According to the organisation, any investigation must follow due process and guarantee fair hearing, while its outcome should be made public to rebuild trust in the electoral system.
READ ALSO: Alleged Partisanship: ADC Lawmakers Urge Tinubu To Sack, Prosecute INEC Chairman
“Transparency in the outcome of the investigation is essential to ensuring accountability and restoring public confidence in the electoral process,” SERAP said.
The group warned that ignoring the allegations could worsen public distrust in INEC ahead of future elections, stressing that the commission’s independence and impartiality remain “conditions precedent” for credible polls in Nigeria.
SERAP also maintained that where credible evidence is found, appropriate legal and institutional actions must be taken in line with the law.
The call comes amid ongoing controversy over resurfaced social media posts allegedly linked to an account associated with Amupitan.
INEC has, however, denied any connection to the account, insisting that the chairman does not operate a personal X handle and has never engaged in partisan commentary.
The commission described the circulating screenshots as part of a coordinated misinformation effort aimed at undermining its credibility.
INEC’s ICT Director, Lawrence Bayode, stated that the commission would not rely on screenshots or artificial intelligence outputs alone, noting that forensic experts and security agencies have been engaged to verify the claims.
He added that the investigation would be based strictly on verifiable evidence rather than social media interpretations or AI-generated analysis.