The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has refuted circulating rumors about his death, emphasizing that he is alive and well.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Yakubu dismissed the reports, which originated from an online platform and some social media accounts, claiming he had passed away at an undisclosed hospital in London.
The story, which first surfaced on December 9, 2024, was described as false and baseless.
The statement clarified that Yakubu has not traveled to London in the past two years and urged the public to disregard the rumor.
To affirm his presence and active engagement, it was noted that Yakubu attended an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on December 11, 2024, and also chaired a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners the following day.
Both events were extensively covered by the media and featured prominently in national newspapers on December 13, 2024.
Highlighting the recurring nature of such misinformation, the statement recalled a similar rumor spread in 2021.
It warned against the dangers of fake news, stressing its harmful impact not only on individuals but also on society at large.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to partnering with credible media professionals to tackle the menace of fake news, ensuring accurate and reliable information reaches the public.
