The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described as false, the news that circulated in a section of the social media claiming the purported death of the Chairman of the commission Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at a London hospital.
INEC in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman Rotimi Oyekanmi on Saturday, noted that the story first appeared on Monday, December 9.
Oyekanmi disclosed that since the news appeared, “Prof. Yakubu was present at an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, 11th December 2024.
“He also chaired the commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, 12th December 2024.
“Both events were widely covered on television and reported on the front pages of most newspapers (on) Friday 13th December 2024.”
He appealed to members of the public to disregard the rumour, stating that the INEC Chairman has not travelled to London in the last two years
Oyekanmi recalled that similar fake story was circulated in 2021, adding that three years later, they are spreading the same rumour again.
“Those who indulge in this practice, as well as those who spread it, should be mindful of its effect not only on the individual but also the wider society,” he advised, and assured INEC will continue to work with genuine media professionals to combat the scourge of fake news and the danger it poses to society.
