INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Alive and Well, Commission Debunks Death Rumors
Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vehemently denied social media reports claiming the death of its chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The rumors, which originated on Monday, December 9, 2024, alleged that Yakubu had passed away in a London hospital. INEC swiftly responded to the misinformation, categorically stating that the chairman is alive, healthy, and actively carrying out his duties. The commission condemned the spread of such false information, urging the public to disregard the baseless claims and rely on credible sources for accurate information.
Rotimi Oyekanmi, the chief press secretary to the INEC chairman, issued a statement on Saturday, December 14, 2024, unequivocally refuting the death rumors. Oyekanmi emphasized that Yakubu is in good health and has been actively engaged in official duties, including a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Furthermore, the chairman presided over a crucial meeting with resident electoral commissioners on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Both events were widely publicized and reported by major news outlets, providing concrete evidence of Yakubu’s active presence and involvement in official proceedings.
The commission also pointed out that the chairman had not been to London in the past two years, further debunking the fabricated story circulating on social media. This is not the first time such malicious rumors have targeted the INEC chairman. A similar fake news report emerged in 2021, falsely claiming Yakubu’s demise. The recurrence of this misinformation campaign raises concerns about the deliberate attempts to undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create unnecessary anxiety within the public.
INEC expressed deep concern over the damaging impact of fake news and misinformation, particularly in the sensitive context of electoral processes. The commission reiterated its commitment to collaborating with credible media professionals to combat the spread of false narratives and ensure accurate information reaches the public. The deliberate dissemination of false information not only harms individuals but also erodes public trust in institutions and jeopardizes the stability of democratic processes.
The commission called on individuals and groups to exercise responsibility and refrain from propagating unsubstantiated information. The spread of fake news, especially during critical periods like elections, can have far-reaching consequences, potentially inciting unrest, undermining public confidence, and disrupting the smooth conduct of electoral activities. INEC emphasized the importance of verifying information from reliable sources before sharing it, urging citizens to be vigilant against malicious attempts to manipulate public opinion through fabricated stories.
INEC’s prompt and decisive response to the death rumors underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability. By swiftly addressing the misinformation, the commission has effectively countered the malicious campaign aimed at creating confusion and undermining its credibility. The incident highlights the crucial role of responsible media consumption and the need for critical evaluation of information circulating in the digital age. INEC’s unwavering commitment to truth and accuracy serves as a vital safeguard against the detrimental effects of fake news and misinformation in the political landscape.