Nigerian INEC Chairman is Alive, Commission Confirms
By Yahaya Idris, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially denied rumors surrounding the death of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
Reports surfaced on December 9, 2024, suggesting that Yakubu had passed away at a hospital in London. However, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, has since confirmed that Yakubu is indeed alive and in good health, and has urged the public to disregard the false information.
Moreover, the statement denied the claims as false, observing that the story, which arose via some online platforms and social media, was entirely fabricated.
He stressed that Yakubu has not traveled to London in two years and was recently actively engaged in official duties.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has dismissed rumors about his death, assuring the public that he is alive and well.
“Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative… Prof. Yakubu is alive and well. In fact, he has not traveled to London in the last two years,” the statement clarified.
The INEC Chairman emphasized his active engagement at pivotal events, including an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on December 11 and a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on December. Both events received extensive coverage from national media.
Yakubu denounced the recurrence of such unsubstantiated rumors, which he recalled had been circulated similarly in 2021. He exhorted the public to disregard fake news and warned against its inimical impact on individuals and society at large.
“The Commission remains committed to collaborating with responsible media professionals to combat the spread of fake news and the dangers it poses to society.” the statement concluded.
