The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed rumours circulating on social media claiming that its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has passed away.
Unverified reports had alleged that Yakubu died in a London hospital, sparking reactions online.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged the public to disregard the false information, emphasizing that Prof. Yakubu is alive and in good health.
“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,” Oyekanmi stated.
The commission clarified that Yakubu has not been to London in the past two years and provided evidence of his recent activities.
“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,” the statement added.
INEC also highlighted that similar false reports had been circulated in 2021, expressing concern over the repetition of such claims.
The commission condemned the spread of misinformation, warning against the harm it causes to individuals and society. It reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with credible media professionals to counter the rising threat of fake news.
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