The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has
reacted to a report being circulated on social media about the purported death
of Mahmood Yakubu, its National Chairman.
The Commission described the report as fake news.
Reports claiming that Yakubu died in a London hospital have
been making the rounds in the social media.
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,” a statement signed by Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press
Secretary to the INEC Chairman, said.
“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.”
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