INEC Debunks Viral News On Professor Yakubu’s Death.

By Anayo Akwitti

The Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC says its attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated by a section of the social media claiming the purported death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at a London hospital.

The Commission noted that story first appeared on Monday, 9th December 2024.

In a statement on Saturday,Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi appealled to the public to disregard the rumour.

He said Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty and has not travelled to London in the last two years.

Oyekanmi said the INEC boss was present at an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, 11th December 2024.

He added Professor Yakubu also chaired the Commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, 12th December 2024.

Oyekanmi stated that both events were widely covered on television and reported on the front pages of most newspapers on Friday 13th December 2024.

He described the story as the handiwork of mischief makers long bent on causing trouble in the Commission;’

“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.”

He pointed at some nameless and fake media outfits as the ones responsible and said the commission will not be cajoled into working with them.

“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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