The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed rumors circulating on social media about the death of its chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
in a statement Released on Saturday by the President’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Commission clarified that the reports, which claimed that he had died in a London hospital, were unfounded and urged the public to ignore them.
INEC stated that Prof. Yakubu is in good health and has not traveled to London in the last two years.
The statement highlighted the INEC Chairman’s active participation in official engagements during the week, including an interactive session with the House of Representatives Electoral Affairs Committee on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 and a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners the following day. .
The Commission noted that similar false rumors about the president’s health circulated in 2021 and condemned the repetition of such misinformation.
The Electoral Commission further stated that it will continue to work closely with relevant bodies to put an end to fake news as it poses a danger to society.
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative spread by a section of social media claiming the alleged death of INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, in a London hospital. The story first appeared on Monday, December 9, 2024.
“We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumour. Professor Yakubu is alive, well and healthy. In fact, he hasn’t traveled to London in the last two years. He was present at an interactive meeting with the House Election Affairs Committee on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
“He also chaired the Commission’s meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Both events were widely covered on television and appeared on the front pages of most newspapers yesterday, Friday, December 13, 2024.
“The public may remember that mischief-makers on social media posted a similar fake story in 2021. Three years later, they are spreading the same rumor again.
“Those who practice this practice, as well as those who spread it, must be aware of its effects not only on the individual but also on society in general.
“The Commission will continue to work with genuine media professionals to combat the scourge of fake news and the danger it poses to society.”