The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed rumors claiming that its chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, passed away in London.
INEC clarified that Professor Yakubu is alive and well. According to his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the INEC chairman has not visited London in the past two years.
It read: “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.”
INEC further emphasized that the rumors are entirely false and urged the public to disregard the misinformation. The Commission provided proof of Professor Yakubu’s recent engagements, underscoring his active presence in Nigeria and dismissing any claims of his demise.
“We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumour. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty. In fact, he 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.”
The statement continued: “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 reminded the public that this is not the first time such false claims have been spread about Professor Yakubu, referencing a similar incident in 2021. The statement condemned the actions of those propagating such unverified information and highlighted the potential harm caused by spreading fake news.
“The public may recall that mischief-makers on the social media carried a similar fake story in 2021. Three years later, they are spreading the same rumour again.”
INEC concluded its statement with a strong appeal for responsibility among social media users and called for collaboration in combating fake news. “Those who indulge in this practice, as well as those who spread it, should be mindful of its effect not only on the individual but also the wider society.”
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability while pledging to work closely with the media to counter misinformation and ensure the public is accurately informed.
