INEC clears air on Mahmood Yakubu’s death rumors

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed circulating reports claiming that its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has passed away.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, described the rumors as baseless, urging the public to disregard them.

“Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated by a section of the social media claiming the purported death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at a London hospital. The story first appeared on Monday, 9th December 2024,” the statement read.

Oyekanmi assured Nigerians that Prof. Yakubu is alive, healthy, and actively carrying out his duties. He also clarified that the INEC Chairman has not visited London in the last two years.

Highlighting Yakubu’s recent engagements, the statement noted, “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 yesterday, Friday 13th December 2024.”

INEC expressed concern over the recurrence of such false reports, reminding the public of similar rumors about Yakubu’s death in 2021. The Commission condemned the actions of individuals spreading misinformation, highlighting its damaging effects on both individuals and society.

“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 statement warned.

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The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with credible media professionals to combat fake news and protect the integrity of information shared with the public.