- Appeal to the public to disregard the rumour
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dispelled speculation that its Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu has died.
A section of social media claimed that the INEC Chairman had died in a London hospital, a story that first appeared last week.
However, describing the narrative circulated by a section of social media as fake news, INEC, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Rotimi Oyekanmi, announced that he is alive, hale, and hearty.
“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.
“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 on Friday, 13th December 2024.
“The public may recall that mischief-makers on social media carried a similar fake story 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.
“The Commission will continue to work with genuine media professionals to combat the scourge of fake news and the danger it poses to society,” the statement reads.
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