INEC Denies Rumors About Chairman Yakubu Mahmood’s Sacking

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed rumours that its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has been removed from office by President Bola Tinubu.

A message that went viral on WhatsApp falsely claimed that Mahmood Yakubu had been replaced by another academic, Professor Bashiru Olamilekan.

“INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu,” the message.

The message, however, had no source or official backing.

Speaking with Vanguard, the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged Nigerians to ignore the report, stating clearly: “Please, disregard. It is not true.”

Professor Yakubu is currently in his second term as INEC Chairman, which is expected to end later this year.

The procedure for appointing a new INEC chairman involves the President nominating a candidate, who is then vetted by the Department of State Services (DSS).

After that, the nomination goes to the National Council of State for advice before finally being sent to the Senate for approval.

KanyiDaily recalls that INEC previously dismissed rumors circulating about the death of Mahmood Yakubu, calling them false and baseless.