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 issued on Saturday in Abuja, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, labeled the reports as fake and baseless, urging the public to disregard them.
“The Commission’s attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated by a section of social media, claiming the purported death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at a London hospital,” Oyekanmi said.
He clarified that the false story first appeared online on Monday, December 9, and has since spread across various platforms.
“We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumor. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty,” he added.
Oyekanmi further emphasized that Prof. Yakubu has not traveled to London in the past two years. He pointed to the chairman’s recent public engagements as evidence of his active schedule.
“Prof. Yakubu was present at an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, December 11. He also chaired the Commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, December 12,” he stated.
Both events, according to Oyekanmi, were widely covered by television stations and reported on the front pages of major newspapers on Friday, December 13.
Oyekanmi also reminded the public that this is not the first time such rumors have been spread.
“The public may recall that mischief-makers on social media carried a similar fake story in 2021. Three years later, they are spreading the same rumor again,” he noted.
He called on individuals spreading such misinformation to consider the potential harm their actions could cause.
“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,” he warned.
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The Chief Press Secretary reiterated the Commission’s commitment to working with credible media professionals to combat the spread of fake news, which he described as a significant threat to society.
“The Commission will continue to work with genuine media professionals to combat the scourge of fake news and the danger it poses to society,” he concluded.
This development highlights the growing issue of misinformation in the digital age and its potential to disrupt public discourse and harm reputations. Prof. Yakubu’s active presence in public engagements serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing it.