The rumors had been swirling for days, with many Nigerians speculating about the fate of Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Some reports claimed that President Bola Tinubu had sacked Yakubu, replacing him with Professor Bashiru Olamilekan. The news spread like wildfire, leaving many in a state of confusion and concern.
However, the presidency has since denied the reports, stating that Yakubu remains in his position as INEC Chairman. The denial comes as a relief to many, who had been worried about the potential implications of Yakubu’s alleged sacking.
The rumors began to circulate after some reports claimed that Yakubu had been removed from office. The news was met with a mix of reactions, with some people expressing support for the alleged move, while others criticized it.
However, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, has assured the public that Yakubu is alive and in good health. This statement comes after false reports of Yakubu’s death began circulating on social media in December 2024, claiming he had passed away in a London hospital.
Despite the controversy, Yakubu has been quite active in recent times. He attended an interactive meeting 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.
The presidency’s denial and INEC’s clarification aim to restore clarity on Yakubu’s status as INEC Chairman. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the rumors surrounding Yakubu’s sacking or demise were unf
