President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly denied reports circulating on social media claiming that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has been sacked and replaced.
The viral claims, which surfaced over the weekend and gained traction online, alleged that Professor Yakubu had been removed from office and succeeded by one Professor Bashiru Olamilekan, in what was described as a “sweeping change” in the leadership of the electoral body.
However, the Presidency has moved swiftly to quash the reports, describing them as entirely false and misleading. In a statement released on Monday via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Digital and New Media, O’tega Ogra, urged the public to ignore the rumours.
“Disregard any fake news making the rounds about the replacement of the INEC Chairman,” Ogra stated unequivocally. “Any such announcement will come from the SGF’s office or any other official source.”
The rebuttal follows mounting public speculation and confusion over the fate of Professor Yakubu, who has held the position of INEC Chairman since 2015 and oversaw both the 2019 and 2023 general elections.
The unsubstantiated report had caused widespread concern and debate across social media platforms, with political observers and commentators questioning the timing and legality of such a purported move. However, no official communication from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) or any federal agency has supported the claims.
The Presidency’s swift dismissal of the reports underscores the growing concern over the spread of misinformation online, particularly in politically sensitive periods. It also reaffirms that any changes to the leadership of constitutionally established institutions such as INEC must follow due process and be communicated through appropriate official channels.
As of press time, there has been no indication of any planned changes within the electoral commission, and Professor Yakubu remains in his position.
The public is advised to remain vigilant and rely only on verified sources for information relating to national affairs.
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