The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted widespread social media reports claiming that its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has been removed from office by President Bola Tinubu.
A viral message circulating on WhatsApp alleged that Professor Yakubu had been replaced by one Professor Bashiru Olamilekan. The unverified message, which lacked any credible source, read: “INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu.”
However, in a swift response to inquiries by Vanguard, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, dismissed the report as entirely false.
“Please, disregard. It is not true,” Oyekanmi stated.
Professor Yakubu, who is currently serving his second term as INEC Chairman, is expected to complete his tenure later in the year.
The appointment of an INEC Chairman follows a formal process: the President nominates a candidate and forwards their credentials to the Department of State Services (DSS) for background checks. The nomination is then presented to the National Council of State for advisory input before being sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
The Commission urged Nigerians to rely on official channels for accurate information and avoid spreading unfounded rumours capable of misleading the public.
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