The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed rumors circulating on social media alleging the death of its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
In a statement issued Saturday in Abuja, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to Prof. Yakubu, debunked the claims as false and described them as the work of mischief-makers.
“Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulating on social media, claiming the purported death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at a London hospital,” Oyekanmi said.
The false report, which first surfaced on Monday, December 9, was firmly refuted by Oyekanmi, who confirmed that Prof. Yakubu is “alive, hale, and hearty.” He further clarified that the chairman had not traveled to London in the past two years.
Highlighting Prof. Yakubu’s recent engagements, Oyekanmi stated that he was present at an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, December 11, and chaired a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, December 12. Both events were widely covered in the media.
“This is not the first time such fake stories have been circulated. A similar rumor emerged in 2021, and now, three years later, the same baseless claims are being spread again,” Oyekanmi remarked.
He urged the public to disregard the false report and called on individuals spreading such misinformation to consider its harmful impact on the individuals involved and society at large.
INEC reiterated its commitment to working with credible media organizations to combat the spread of fake news and the risks it poses to societal stability.
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