The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed social media rumours claiming that its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, had passed away in a London hospital.
In a statement released on Saturday by Yakubu’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the commission described the reports as fake news and urged the public to disregard them.
“Our 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. The story first appeared on Monday, December 9, 2024. We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumour. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale, and hearty,” the statement read.
The commission further clarified that Prof. Yakubu had not traveled to London in the past two years. It added that he participated in several public engagements during the week, including an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, and a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
Both events were widely covered by the media, with reports appearing on major television channels and newspapers on Friday, December 13, 2024.
### Recurrence of Fake News
INEC also noted that this was not the first time such false information about its Chairman had been circulated. A similar rumour surfaced in 2021, with the same baseless claims reemerging three years later.
The commission condemned the spread of fake news, emphasizing the societal harm it causes and urging individuals to verify information before sharing. It also warned against the deliberate dissemination of misleading reports, which can erode public trust and damage reputations.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and effective electoral management while urging the public to disregard misinformation and focus on verified sources of information.
