In a dramatic turn of events, reports circulating on social media have claimed that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has passed away in a London hospital.
The unverified claims sparked widespread concern across Nigeria, with many Nigerians shocked by the sudden news.
However, in a swift response, INEC has strongly rejected the claims, describing the reports as “false” and part of a dangerous misinformation campaign.
The Commission, through its Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged the public to ignore the reports and assured them that Prof. Yakubu is alive, healthy, and continuing his work as usual.
“The story first surfaced on Monday, 9th December 2024, and since then, it has been widely circulated across social media,” said Oyekanmi in a statement released on Saturday. “We want to assure the public that these reports are completely false.”
Oyekanmi further emphasized that Prof. Yakubu has not been to London in the past two years, refuting any suggestion that he could have died in a hospital abroad.
“In fact, Prof. Yakubu was actively engaged in his official duties last week. He attended an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, 11th December 2024,” Oyekanmi added.
The INEC Chairman also chaired the commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, 12th December 2024. These meetings were widely covered by major media outlets, making it clear that Yakubu was, as Oyekanmi put it, “hale and hearty.”
The Commission’s statement also made it clear that this was not the first time such false claims about Prof. Yakubu’s death had been spread. Similar rumours had been circulated back in 2021, creating unnecessary panic and confusion among the public.
“The repetition of such false stories three years later is deeply concerning. These baseless claims serve only to disturb the peace and stability of our society,” the statement noted.
INEC strongly condemned the spread of fake news and misinformation, warning that the individuals responsible for these malicious reports should be held accountable for their actions. “The damage caused by the spread of such rumours cannot be underestimated,” the Commission said.
The Commission also used this opportunity to highlight the growing threat of fake news in Nigeria and its potential to harm individuals, institutions, and society at large.
“We urge the public to be cautious and to rely only on credible news sources. INEC is committed to working with reputable media outlets to combat fake news and to ensure that the truth is always protected,” the statement concluded.
The false death rumours have raised questions about the role of social media in spreading misinformation, especially in a country where fake news has become an increasing problem in recent years.
Experts have repeatedly warned about the damaging impact of fake news, particularly during election periods when information can influence public opinion.
INEC’s firm stance against misinformation also comes at a time when the Commission is preparing for upcoming elections in Nigeria. As the body responsible for overseeing elections, INEC’s credibility and the integrity of its leaders are of utmost importance.
In a country like Nigeria, where political instability and division are common, the spread of fake news can fuel unnecessary tensions and even violence.
The federal government has been working to curb the spread of fake news, but the challenge remains significant. Social media platforms, particularly Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp, have become breeding grounds for false information and rumors.
In this context, INEC’s efforts to combat fake news are crucial for ensuring that the public receives accurate information about elections and political events.
INEC has reiterated its commitment to transparency and to engaging with the public through credible news outlets to ensure that the truth is always made clear.
“We will continue to collaborate with the media to ensure that the public is properly informed and protected from the dangers of misinformation,” said Oyekanmi.
Despite the denial, the false reports have already had an impact. Many Nigerians expressed their concern on social media, with some even calling for prayers for Prof. Yakubu, unaware that the claims were false.
The spread of such rumours is not new to public figures in Nigeria. In the past, there have been similar instances involving political leaders, celebrities, and other prominent figures.
In 2021, there were also reports claiming that Prof. Yakubu had passed away, which were debunked in the same way. Yet, the cycle of misinformation seems to repeat itself, leading some to question the effectiveness of current efforts to combat fake news in Nigeria.
INEC’s reaction to this latest round of rumours highlights the importance of prompt and clear communication from institutions in order to manage public perceptions and prevent unnecessary panic.
As Nigerians continue to navigate the challenges of the digital age, the responsibility of ensuring that the public receives accurate and reliable information falls not only on the media and government institutions but also on individuals who must be cautious about spreading unverified claims.
Prof. Yakubu’s role in Nigerian politics remains significant, especially as the country looks toward upcoming elections. His leadership at INEC is seen by many as pivotal to the credibility and fairness of the electoral process.
