The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed rumors circulating on social media that its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, was dismissed by President Bola Tinubu.
A viral WhatsApp message falsely claimed that Yakubu had been replaced by Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan, stating, “INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu.” The message, which lacked any source, quickly spread online.
In response, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, told Vanguard, “Please, disregard. It is not true.”
Yakubu, who is nearing the end of his second term, is expected to leave his position later this year. The process for appointing a new INEC chairman involves the President nominating a candidate, who is then vetted by the Department of State Services (DSS). Following the screening, the President presents the nominee to the National Council of State for review, before submitting the name to the Senate for confirmation.