Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has denied the rumour of his death.
Reports on social media and some small-time news media had said Yakubu passed away in a London hospital after a brief illness.
The INEC chair refuted the reports via a statement his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi signed.
“Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated by a section of the social media claiming the purported death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at a London hospital. The story first appeared on Monday, 9th December 2024.
“We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumour. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty. In fact, he has not travelled to London in the last two years.”
It goes further: “The public may recall that mischief-makers on the social media carried a similar fake story in 2021. 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.
“The Commission will continue to work with genuine media professionals to combat the scourge of fake news and the danger it poses to society.”
