INEC Dismisses Death Rumors Surrounding Chairman Mahmood Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially dismissed rumors regarding the death of its chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. In a statement released on December 14, Chief Press Secretary Rotimi Oyekanmi confirmed that Yakubu is alive and well.

The clarification comes in response to reports claiming that the INEC Chairman had died in a London hospital. According to the statement, these false narratives began circulating on December 9, 2024.

Oyekanmi urged the public to disregard the rumors, emphasizing, “Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty. In fact, he has not traveled to London in the last two years.” He noted that Yakubu was present at an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on December 11 and chaired a commission meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on December 12, both of which were widely covered by the media.

The statement also recalled a similar incident in 2021 when false reports about Yakubu's death circulated. It condemned the spread of such misinformation and highlighted the potential harm it can cause not only to individuals but to society at large.

INEC reiterated its commitment to collaborating with reputable media professionals to combat fake news and its dangers.