The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that its chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has passed away.
According to unverified reports, Yakubu was said to have died at a London hospital on Monday, December 9, 2024. However, in a statement released on Saturday, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, debunked the rumors, urging the public to disregard the misinformation.
“A portion of social media has been spreading a bogus news story that claims Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman, died in a London hospital. This has caught our attention. We thus urge the public to ignore the misinformation. Prof. Yakubu is healthy and well,” Oyekanmi clarified. 
INEC Highlights Yakubu’s Recent Activities
To refute the claims further, the commission detailed Yakubu’s recent engagements:
- House of Representatives Meeting: On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, Yakubu attended an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters.
- Commission Meeting: He chaired a meeting with resident electoral commissioners on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
- Public Appearances: Both events received widespread television coverage and were prominently featured in major newspapers on Friday, December 13, 2024.
INEC also emphasized that Yakubu has not visited London in the last two years, contrary to the rumors.
INEC Condemns Fake News
The commission recalled a similar incident in 2021 when similar false reports about Yakubu’s health circulated. INEC condemned the spread of such misleading information, warning perpetrators of the harm they cause to individuals and society.
To combat the growing challenge of fake news, INEC reaffirmed its commitment to working with credible media professionals.
What measures do you think should be adopted to curb the spread of fake news in today’s digital age?
Read More:
