The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed rumors about the death of Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu. INEC confirmed he is alive, healthy, and actively fulfilling his duties. The Commission urges the public to ignore fake news, stressing the importance of relying on credible information sources.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a press release debunking rumors of the death of its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The false claim, which circulated on social media on December 9, 2024, suggested that Yakubu had died in a London hospital. INEC responded swiftly, urging the public to disregard the misleading information.
The Commission confirmed that Professor Yakubu is alive, healthy, and fully engaged in his duties. He has not traveled to London in the past two years, and he recently participated in two major events: an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on December 11 and a Commission meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on December 12. These events were widely covered by the media, further disproving the fake news.
This is not the first time such rumors have emerged. A similar story was spread in 2021, and now, three years later, the same claim has resurfaced. INEC stressed the damaging effects of fake news on both individuals and society at large, calling for greater responsibility in media reporting.
The Commission has vowed to collaborate with legitimate media outlets to combat the growing threat of fake news, acknowledging the risks it poses to the public's trust and the integrity of institutions. INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, signed the statement, urging citizens to rely on credible sources for information.
The Commission remains committed to its work, and Professor Yakubu continues to lead INEC in preparations for the upcoming elections.
