INEC Clears the Air: Mahmood Yakubu Remains in Office
Amid swirling rumours on social media suggesting that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has been removed from office, both INEC and the Presidency have officially debunked the claim.
The false report, which went viral on WhatsApp, claimed President Bola Tinubu had replaced Yakubu with one Professor Bashiru Olamilekan. However, no credible source was cited in the message, raising early doubts about its authenticity.
INEC’s Spokesman Reacts: “Please Disregard”
In a swift response to inquiries by Vanguard, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged the public to ignore the message.
“Please, disregard. It is not true,” he stated simply, setting the record straight.
Presidency Also Denies Claim
Reinforcing the statement, the Presidency—through the Senior Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Digital and New Media, O’tega Ogra—categorically dismissed the news as fake.
Ogra clarified that any official announcement regarding changes in the INEC leadership would come through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) or another credible source.
“The Nigerian public should disregard any fake news making the rounds about the replacement of the INEC Chairman,” he emphasized.
How INEC Chairman Is Appointed: A Transparent Process
For those curious about the process, appointing a new INEC Chairman isn’t a backdoor affair.
It involves a structured procedure—beginning with a presidential nomination, followed by screening by the Department of State Services (DSS), advisory review by the National Council of State, and final confirmation by the Senate.
As it stands, Professor Yakubu is currently completing his second term and is expected to vacate office towards the end of the year through the proper process.
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