Death rumour about the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, unsettled the polity on Saturday. But it turned out to be fake.
INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has dismissed rumours that he died in a London hospital. Through his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Yakubu confirmed he is alive and well. “Prof. Yakubu is hale and hearty. He has not been to London in two years,” Oyekanmi said.
The rumour first spread online on December 9, 2024, claiming Yakubu passed away after a brief illness. It resurfaced on Saturday, alleging Yakubu went to bed healthy but woke with a serious medical emergency. The rumour also claimed Yakubu’s family could not save him, and he died at the hospital. INEC strongly rejected this narrative as baseless.
Close sources said Yakubu has been active in his duties. He attended a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee. On December 11, 2024, he was present for the interactive session, widely covered by media outlets. The following day, December 12, he chaired a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners. Both events were reported on major television networks and newspapers.
These public appearances took place just days before the fake death rumour emerged. Oyekanmi called it “fake news,” recalling this is not the first time such rumours circulated. “Mischief-makers spread a similar fake story in 2021,” he added.
Political reactions to death rumour
Politicians quickly reacted to the false report. Senator Shehu Sani debunked the rumour humorously on social media. “I saw him in white yesterday. Maybe it’s the ghost,” Sani said. He questioned the motivations behind spreading such fake news.
The source of the rumour remains unclear, but sources suspect it may be politically motivated. With elections approaching, fake news could aim to create confusion and undermine public confidence. Such misinformation has been common in Nigerian politics, especially as elections near. Unverified claims often lead to panic and distrust in the electoral process.
INEC has vowed to work with genuine media professionals to combat fake news. The commission seeks to promote responsible reporting. “We must protect democracy from the dangers of misinformation,” Oyekanmi stated. Combatting fake news is vital for preserving public trust in electoral systems.
Yakubu’s statement called on media and individuals to be cautious with spreading unverified information. “Those who spread fake news should be mindful of its societal impact,” Oyekanmi stressed. Information management experts caution Nigerians to be careful with what they share on social media. Misinformation harms not only individuals but the collective trust in governance.
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