The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has refuted circulating rumors about his death, asserting that he is alive, healthy, and in good spirits.
In a statement issued on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Yakubu dismissed reports claiming he passed away in a London hospital.
An online platform and several social media posts had alleged that the INEC chairman died after a brief illness in an undisclosed London hospital. Addressing the rumors, Yakubu said:
“Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated on social media, falsely claiming the death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at a London hospital. The story was first published on Monday, 9th December 2024.
“We urge the public to disregard this baseless rumor. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale, and hearty. In fact, he has not traveled to London in the past two years.”
The statement further highlighted Yakubu’s recent engagements, including his attendance at an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, 11th December 2024, and a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, 12th December 2024. Both events received widespread media coverage.
“The public may recall that similar falsehoods were spread on social media in 2021. Three years later, the same baseless rumor is being recycled. Those who propagate such false claims should consider the impact of their actions, not only on individuals but on society as a whole,” the statement added.
The INEC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to partnering with credible media organizations to combat fake news and safeguard societal trust.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has been serving as INEC Chairman since his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari on October 21, 2015, succeeding Amina Zakari, who held the position in an acting capacity.
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Opeoluwa Benson – Content Researcher
