The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked a social media report claiming its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, passed away in a London hospital.
In a statement released on Saturday, Chief Press Secretary Rotimi Oyekanmi clarified that the report is false and urged Nigerians to disregard the rumor. He affirmed that Yakubu is alive, hale, and hearty.
Oyekanmi added that the INEC chairman has not visited London in the past two years. He noted that Yakubu was present at an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, and also chaired a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Both events were widely covered by television and newspapers.
“This is not the first time such fake stories are being circulated. A similar false report was spread on social media in 2021, and now, three years later, the same rumor is being recycled,” Oyekanmi stated.
He cautioned against the dangers of spreading fake news, noting its negative impact on individuals and society. He assured that INEC would continue working with credible media professionals to combat misinformation.
