From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dispelled the speculation that its Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has died.
A section of the social media claimed that the INEC chairman, died at a London hospital, a story that first appeared last week.
However, describing the narrative circulated on the social media as fake news, INEC in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Rotimi Oyekanmi, announced that Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty.
The statement read: “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 on 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.”
