The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed circulating social media reports alleging the death of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
The rumors, which emerged on Monday, December 9, 2024, claimed Yakubu passed away in a London hospital. However, in a statement issued on Saturday, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged the public to disregard the false information, affirming that Yakubu is alive and in good health.
“Our attention has been drawn to a fake news story being shared on social media, claiming the death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in a London hospital. This unfounded report first appeared on Monday, December 9, 2024.
“We categorically state that Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale, and hearty. We appeal to the public to disregard this baseless rumor,” Oyekanmi stated.
The commission further clarified that Yakubu has not visited London in over two years.
“Prof. Yakubu has not traveled to London in the past two years. On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, he attended an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters. The next day, December 12, 2024, he chaired a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners. Both events received extensive television coverage and were featured on the front pages of major newspapers on Friday, December 13, 2024,” the statement emphasized.
INEC also recalled a similar incident in 2021 when fake news of the chairman’s death circulated, noting that the same false narrative has resurfaced three years later.
The commission condemned the dissemination of such misinformation, warning that individuals spreading these falsehoods should consider the damage caused to individuals and society.
INEC reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with reputable media organizations to tackle the growing menace of fake news.