By Abdullahi Sabiu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed as fake news the rumoured death of its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
A section of the social media has since Monday, December 9, been circulating the news that Prof Yakubu has died at a London hospital.
“We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumour,” the commission clarified in a statement signed by Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman.
“Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty,” INEC confirmed, stressing, “In fact, he has not travelled to London in the last two years.”
The commission said Prof Yakubu was, in fact, present at an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, December 11, and he also chaired the Commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, December 12.
“Both events were widely covered on television and reported on the front pages of most newspapers yesterday, Friday 13th December 2024,” INEC recalled in the statement.
The commission reminded the public that mischief-makers on the social media carried a similar fake story in 2021, recalling 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,” INEC warned.
The Commission vowed to continue working with genuine media professionals to combat the scourge of fake news and the danger it poses to society.
