Abuja, December 14, 2024 – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging the death of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in a London hospital.
In a press release signed by Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, the Commission described the story, which surfaced on December 9, 2024, as false and urged the public to disregard it.
“Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale, and hearty. In fact, he has not traveled to London in the last two years,” the statement read.
INEC further emphasized that Prof. Yakubu actively participated in official engagements earlier in the week. He attended an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on December 11, 2024, and chaired a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on December 12, 2024. Both events received extensive media coverage.
The Commission also recalled a similar fake news incident in 2021 and condemned the recurrence of such falsehoods, warning against the societal harm caused by misinformation.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with credible media professionals to combat the spread of fake news and ensure accurate information reaches the public.
