Fact Check: Viral Video of Tinubu Billboard ‘Inside INEC Office’ in Rivers Debunked

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A viral video claiming that a campaign billboard of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was mounted inside an office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State has been confirmed as false, following independent verification.

The 26-second clip, which spread rapidly across social media early Thursday, shows a man filming a “Renewed Hope” billboard while expressing shock and alleging it was located within an INEC compound in Port Harcourt.

The video quickly ignited debate online, with some users accusing the electoral body of bias in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, checks by local observers and fact-checkers reveal that the claim is misleading.

Investigations confirm that the billboard is located at 246 Aba Road, directly opposite Port Harcourt Pleasure Park. The property is not an INEC office but the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors Secretariat — a political support group office aligned with President Tinubu.

The building was commissioned in February 2026 by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Although the secretariat is situated close to the Rivers State INEC headquarters at 236 Aba Road, both facilities are separate. Observers say their proximity — and what appears to be a shared boundary — likely caused the confusion seen in the viral footage.

The video’s rapid spread highlights how easily misinformation can gain traction, particularly in politically sensitive environments like Rivers State. Many viewers reacted before verifying the location, fueling unnecessary tension and speculation.

As of the time of this report, neither INEC nor the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors Secretariat has issued an official statement regarding the incident.

The development serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing, especially as Nigeria moves closer to another election cycle where misinformation could significantly influence public perception.