The presidency has remained tight-lipped on the alleged sacking of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, amid a swirl of controversy and misinformation.
In a bizarre turn of events, false reports of Yakubu’s death began circulating on social media in December 2024, claiming he had passed away in a London hospital. The rumors spread like wildfire, leaving many in a state of confusion and concern.
However, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, quickly stepped in to set the record straight. In a statement, Oyekanmi assured the public that Yakubu is very much alive and in good health. He urged everyone to disregard the false information, emphasizing that Yakubu has not traveled to London in the past two years.
As it turns out, Yakubu has been quite active in recent times. Just days before the false reports emerged, he attended an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on December 11, 2024. He also chaired a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on December 12, 2024, demonstrating his commitment to his role as INEC Chairman.
The spread of misinformation has been widely condemned, with many warning about the harm it can cause to individuals and society. INEC has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with credible media professionals to counter the rising threat of fake news.
Despite the controversy, there is no credible information available regarding Yakubu’s sacking or any presidential action taken against him. The situation remains unclear, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the INEC Chairman.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the truth will eventually come to light. For now, the public is left to navigate a complex web of information and misinformation, searching for answers to the questions that surround Yakubu’s fate.
