Digital reputation no longer optional for Nigerian public officials – Expert warns

Reputation and public relations strategist, Ifeanyi Joshua Onyeka, has warned Nigerian public officials to take their digital footprint as seriously as their physical security and oath of office, as online forensic tools continue to expose past activities of public figures.

Onyeka issued the warning while analysing a viral video circulating on X (formerly Twitter), which reportedly uncovered an old account linked to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan.

He described the development as a clear example of the growing importance of digital reputation management in public service.

“This isn’t about one professor or one post. It’s about the catastrophic failure of reputation hygiene at the highest levels of Nigerian public service,” Onyeka said.

He explained that the video revealed a pattern of activity tied to the account, including a post supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections, followed by a series of changes such as a name alteration, account protection, a parody label, and the creation of a new account.

“Digital ghosts don’t vanish; they multiply under scrutiny,” he added.

Onyeka identified key reasons public officials must prioritise digital reputation management. According to him, the permanence of online activity means every interaction—likes, replies, or posts—remains traceable.

“Every like, reply, or tweet is etched into the blockchain of the internet. In an election umpire’s role, where neutrality is the entire job, even the appearance of partisanship can destroy public trust faster than any court ruling can restore it,” he said.

He also highlighted the rise of real-time accountability, noting that citizens now have access to advanced tools that can quickly uncover and verify digital histories.

“Citizens are now armed with tools like Grok, reverse image searches, and metadata trackers. What used to be buried in archives can now become viral forensic evidence within hours,” Onyeka stated.

The PR expert further warned that such incidents pose broader institutional risks, particularly for sensitive public offices.

“When the INEC Chairman’s digital footprint raises questions of bias, it doesn’t just affect him personally; it undermines confidence in the entire electoral process ahead of 2027. Investors, international observers, and everyday Nigerians may interpret it as the referee cheering one side,” he said.

Onyeka attributed the recurring issue among Nigerian public officials to what he described as systemic digital illiteracy among political leaders.

“Many officials rose through traditional power structures and still treat social media like a casual notepad rather than a permanent public record. They underestimate how user IDs, account creation dates, and interaction histories can be tracked,” he noted.

He also criticised the common response of renaming, restricting, or rebranding accounts after controversies emerge, describing such actions as counterproductive.

“Renaming, locking accounts, or labelling them as ‘parody’ only amplifies suspicion. It sends a stronger signal of guilt than the original post,” Onyeka said.

He advised public officials to adopt proactive measures, including auditing their social media profiles, engaging professional PR support, and addressing controversial content transparently.

“Audit your social profiles today. Hire real PR expertise. Delete nothing—own it transparently or step aside. The era of ‘it was just a tweet’ is over. Digital reputation is now governance,” he said.

As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, analysts say the incident underscores the need for public office holders to prioritise digital reputation management as a core aspect of leadership and accountability.