The Independent National Electoral Commission has described the purported death of its chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, as fake news.
A statement signed by Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman on Saturday said the same fake news narrative was circulated in 2021 by a section of the social media.
Oyekanmi said the story first appeared on Monday, 9th December 2024 claiming that the INEC boss had died at a London hospital.
He said that Prof Mahmood is alive, hale and hearty, adding that he had not travelled to London in the last two years.
The statement read in full: “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.
Also Read:
- Elumelu commits to boosting Gabon’s infrastructure, youth empowerment
- Polo, politics, and the Dasuki family, by Yushau A. Shuaib
- We are giving Presidential Amnesty Programme human face – Otuaro
- Akpabio, Udom end feud after nine years
- Shell exhibition delivers value as energy summit ends in Abuja
“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. He 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 yesterday, Friday 13th December 2024.
“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.”
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
