The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed viral social media claims alleging the dismissal of its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, by President Bola Tinubu.
A widely circulated WhatsApp message had falsely stated that Yakubu was replaced with a certain “Prof. Olamilekan.” The unverified report claimed: “INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu.”
Reacting to the speculation, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, categorically denied the report, stating: “Please, disregard. It is not true.”
Yakubu, currently serving his second term, is expected to complete his tenure later this year. The appointment process for an INEC chairman involves presidential nomination, security vetting by the Department of State Services (DSS), advisory review by the National Council of State, and final confirmation by the Senate.
INEC urges the public to disregard unfounded reports and rely only on official communications from the commission.
