Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly denied reports circulating on social media that its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has been dismissed by President Bola Tinubu.
A viral WhatsApp message falsely claimed that Yakubu had been replaced by one Professor Bashiru Olamilekan, stating: “INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu.” The message, however, lacked any credible source or attribution.
Responding to inquiries, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, dismissed the claim, stating: “Please, disregard. It is not true.”
Professor Yakubu, who is nearing the end of his second tenure, is still expected to remain in office until later this year.
The process of appointing an INEC Chairman involves several steps, including nomination by the President, profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS), review by the National Council of State, and confirmation by the Senate.
In addition, the Presidency has also debunked the claim, with O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Digital and New Media, describing the news as fake.
He urged the public to ignore such unfounded reports, clarifying that, “Any such announcement will come from the SGF’s office or any other appropriate official source.”
