The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked claims circulating on social media regarding the death of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
Some online media had claimed that the INEC Chairman Died in London After Brief Illness, adding that he went to bed in good health but woke up with a serious medical emergency.
“Despite his family’s efforts to secure the best care by transferring him to London for treatment, he was pronounced dead.”
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Commission described the reports as false and urged the public to disregard them.
“The fake news, which surfaced on Monday, December 9, 2024, alleged that Prof. Yakubu had passed away in a London hospital. However, the Commission clarified that the Chairman is alive, well, and actively fulfilling his duties.
“Prof. Yakubu has not traveled 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, December 11, 2024, and chaired the Commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Both events were widely reported in the media.”
INEC highlighted that similar false rumors were spread about Prof. Yakubu in 2021, calling this latest attempt a repeat of the same mischief.
The Commission warned those responsible to consider the potential harm such misinformation causes both to individuals and society.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to working with credible media professionals to combat the spread of fake news and its dangers.
The Commission appealed to the public to verify information from reliable sources and avoid sharing unverified claims.
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