The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has strongly refuted circulating social media reports claiming the dismissal of its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, by President Bola Tinubu. The clarification comes in response to a viral WhatsApp message that falsely announced Yakubu’s replacement with a certain Professor Bashiru Olamilekan.
INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, categorically dismissed the rumor when contacted by journalists, stating simply: “Please, disregard. It is not true.” The Commission emphasized that Yakubu continues to lead the electoral body as he completes his second term, which is expected to conclude later this year.
The Presidency also moved swiftly to debunk the claims, with Senior Special Adviser on Digital and New Media, O’tega Ogra, issuing an official denial. “The Nigerian public should disregard any fake news making the rounds about the replacement of the INEC Chairman,” Ogra stated, clarifying that any such significant appointment would be formally announced through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation or other authorized channels.
The process for appointing an INEC chairman involves multiple constitutional steps, including presidential nomination, security screening by the Department of State Services (DSS), advisory review by the National Council of State, and final confirmation by the Senate. The current administration has not initiated this process, confirming Yakubu remains in charge of INEC’s operations.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space, particularly regarding sensitive national institutions. Both INEC and the Presidency have urged citizens to rely only on official communications regarding such important matters of state. Political analysts note that maintaining stability in INEC’s leadership is particularly crucial as Nigeria prepares for future electoral cycles.
