The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed as false reports circulating on social media alleging the death of its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
Rumours had surfaced online claiming that Yakubu had passed away in a London hospital. However, in a statement released on Saturday, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, categorically denied these claims.
Oyekanmi confirmed that Yakubu is alive, well, and in good health. He emphasised that the INEC Chairman has not travelled to London in the past two years and was present at a recent meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, 11th December 2024.
The commission said: “Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated by a section of the social media claiming the purported death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at a London hospital. The story first appeared on Monday, 9th December 2024.
“We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumour. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty.
“In fact, Yakubu has not travelled to London in the last two years. He was present at an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, 11th December 2024.
“He also chaired the commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, 12th December 2024. Both events were widely covered on television and reported on the front pages of most newspapers yesterday, Friday 13th December 2024.”
INEC expressed its disappointment at the recurrence of such false information, noting that a similar rumour had circulated in 2021.
The commission condemned the spread of misinformation and warned that those responsible should be aware of the potential harm caused to individuals and society.
