The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted claims circulating on social media that its chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has died in a London hospital.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, December 14, 2024, by Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, the Commission described the rumour, which emerged on Monday, December 9, 2024, as fake news aimed at misleading the public.
The statement affirmed that Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale, and hearty, adding that he has not travelled to London in the past two years.
It further noted that the chairman participated in an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, and chaired a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
He added that both events were extensively reported by the media.
“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 rumour again,” the statement read.
INEC condemned the spread of such baseless information, cautioning that it poses harm not only to individuals but also to societal harmony.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to combating fake news through collaboration with credible media professionals.
The agency urged the public to disregard the rumour and avoid further dissemination of false narratives.
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