Rumors circulating on social media about the death of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, are not true.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to Prof. Yakubu, labeled the reports as fake news, urging the public to disregard the claims.
“The Commission’s 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,” Oyekanmi said.
He clarified that the story first appeared on Monday, December 9, but is entirely baseless.
“We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumour. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty,” he affirmed.
Contrary to the false reports, Oyekanmi noted that the INEC chairman has not traveled to London in the last two years.
He highlighted Yakubu’s active engagement in recent official duties, stating, “He was present at an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, December 11. He also chaired the Commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, December 12. Both events were widely covered on television and reported on the front pages of most newspapers yesterday, Friday, December 13.”
The INEC spokesperson condemned the recurrence of such rumors, recalling a similar fake story spread in 2021.
“Three years later, they are spreading the same rumour again. 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,” he cautioned.
He further emphasized the Commission’s commitment to combating misinformation, stating, “The Commission will continue to work with genuine media professionals to combat the scourge of fake news and the danger it poses to society.”
INEC has called on the public to rely on credible sources for information and refrain from spreading unfounded claims.