By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
In a swift response to unworthy misinformation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted claims circulating on social media about the demise of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
The unfounded rumour, which first emerged on December 9, 2024, has sparked concern among citizens and stakeholders alike.
In a press statement released on Saturday, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged the public to “disregard the rumour,” emphasizing that “Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty.”
Oyekanmi further clarified that the INEC Chairman has not traveled to London in over two years, countering the claims made in the fake news narrative.
The statement also highlighted Prof. Yakubu’s recent public engagements, noting that he participated in an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on December 11, 2024.
The CPS also noted that the INEC Boss chaired the commission meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners the following day, events that were “widely covered on television and reported on the front pages of most newspapers.”
The statement recalled a similar fake news story that circulated in 2021, indicating that mischief-makers have revived this damaging trend three years later. Oyekanmi cautioned that the spread of such false information can have serious implications, stating, “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.”
INEC therefore reiterated its commitment to combating this issue, stating that it will continue to work alongside genuine media professionals to mitigate the risks posed by fake news.
The commission also called on the public to remain vigilant, fact-check their sources, and resist the allure of sensationalist narratives that can disrupt societal harmony.
