The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed rumours circulating on social media that its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has died at a London hospital.
According to INEC, the fake news story first emerged on Monday, December 9, 2024. However, the commission has confirmed that Prof. Yakubu is alive and well. In fact, he has not travelled to London in the last two years.
Prof. Yakubu recently participated in an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 and chaired the Commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Both events were widely covered by television and reported on the front pages of most newspapers.
This is not the first time that fake news about Prof. Yakubu’s death has circulated. A similar story emerged in 2021, and INEC is urging those responsible to consider the impact of their actions on individuals and society.
The Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to working with genuine media professionals to combat the spread of fake news and its dangers to society.
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