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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed circulating rumours regarding the alleged death of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, confirmed that Prof. Yakubu is alive and in good health.
The clarification followed claims on social media suggesting he had passed away at a London hospital.
“Our attention has been drawn to a fabricated report, first published on Monday, 9th December 2024, alleging the death of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. This is false.
“The INEC Chairman is alive, healthy, and has not been to London in the past two years,” the statement said.
It also highlighted Prof. Yakubu’s recent public appearances, including an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, 11th December, and a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners the following day.
Both events were widely reported by the media.
The Commission criticized the recurrence of such false narratives, recalling a similar fake report circulated in 2021.
It urged those responsible for spreading misinformation to consider its potential harm to individuals and society at large.
INEC reiterated its commitment to collaborating with credible media outlets to combat the dangers posed by fake news.