The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has addressed reports claiming that its chairman, Professor Yakubu Mahmood, passed away in London.
INEC clarified that, contrary to the rumors, Professor Mahmood is alive and in good health. His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, further stated that Mahmood has not traveled to London in the past two years.
In a statement, INEC urged the public to disregard the fake news, which first circulated on Monday, 9th December 2024.
The Commission highlighted that Professor Mahmood attended an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, 11th December 2024, and chaired the Commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, 12th December 2024. Both events were widely covered by the media.
INEC also reminded the public that a similar false report was spread in 2021, and now, three years later, the same rumor has resurfaced. The Commission condemned such misinformation and its harmful effects on individuals and society at large.
INEC reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the media in the fight against fake news and misinformation.