The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly dismissed rumors circulating on social media about the death of its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
The claims, which alleged that Yakubu passed away in a London hospital, were described as baseless and the work of mischief-makers.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to Professor Yakubu, clarified that the INEC Chairman is in good health and has not traveled to London in the past two years.
Oyekanmi emphasized that Yakubu has been actively discharging his duties, including attending an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, December 11, and chairing a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners the following day.
“The public is urged to disregard the rumor. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale, and hearty,” Oyekanmi stated. He further criticized the spread of such fake news, recalling that similar rumors about Yakubu’s death circulated in 2021.
“This persistent practice by mischief-makers is not only harmful to the individual but also detrimental to society.
INEC remains committed to working with genuine media professionals to combat the scourge of fake news,” he added.
The Commission reassured the public of its focus on delivering credible elections while appealing for caution and responsibility in the dissemination of information.
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