Mahmood Yakubu Debunks Death Rumors Amid Rising Scrutiny on INEC Leadership

DDM News

In a dramatic turn of events, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has come forward to refute circulating rumors of his alleged death in a London hospital.

These speculations, which first surfaced on social media platforms and were propagated by certain blogs, have sparked widespread confusion and debate about the integrity of media reporting and its impact on public figures.

Diaspora Digital Media, in its coverage, confirmed the information through Yakubu’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, who dismissed the rumors as baseless and urged Nigerians to disregard the fabricated reports.

Professor Yakubu, a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s electoral processes, has faced both commendation and criticism during his tenure.

This latest incident, however, underscores the challenges public officials encounter in the digital age, where unverified information can rapidly gain traction.

The clarification was issued by Oyekanmi, who categorically debunked the rumors and emphasized Yakubu’s continued presence in Nigeria.

According to Oyekanmi, not only is Yakubu alive and well, but he has also not traveled to London in the past two years, rendering the reports entirely untrue.

“Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated by a section of the social media claiming the purported death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at a London hospital.

The story first appeared on Monday, 9th December 2024. We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumour. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty,” Oyekanmi stated.

Further elaborating, Oyekanmi highlighted Yakubu’s recent activities to disprove the claims. “He was present at an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, 11th December 2024.

He also chaired the Commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, 12th December 2024.

Both events were widely covered on television and reported on the front pages of most newspapers yesterday, Friday 13th December 2024.”

These statements come as a direct response to a wave of misinformation that gained momentum earlier in the week.

Despite reassurances, the rumors had caused unease among Nigerians, some of whom view Yakubu as a central figure in the country’s democratic process, while others critique his administration of elections marred by logistical challenges and allegations of bias.

Former Senator Shehu Sani was one of the first prominent figures to call out the falsehood. Posting on the social media platform X, Sani described the reports as untrue, noting that he had seen the INEC chairman recently.

Despite this, the narrative continued to spread, reflecting the vulnerability of public officials to targeted disinformation campaigns.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure as INEC Chairman has not been without controversy.

Under his leadership, the commission has overseen several high-stakes elections, some of which were lauded for their transparency while others drew sharp criticism for irregularities.

For many, Yakubu embodies the complexity of Nigeria’s democratic evolution—simultaneously a reformist and a symbol of its enduring challenges.

Critics argue that the propagation of death rumors is not merely a random act of mischief but a reflection of the polarized opinions surrounding his leadership.

For instance, the 2023 general elections, which Yakubu supervised, were marred by accusations of electoral malpractice.

While some hailed the election as a step forward for Nigerian democracy, others denounced it as deeply flawed.

Yakubu has also faced criticism for the perceived sluggishness in implementing key electoral reforms.

Proponents of his leadership, however, counter these claims by pointing to his efforts to expand voter access and introduce technology into the electoral process, such as the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System).

These mixed reviews have left his legacy hanging in the balance, with his supporters and detractors locked in a perpetual debate.

The spread of false information about Yakubu’s death raises broader questions about the role of media in a democracy.

Oyekanmi emphasized the societal harm caused by such rumors, not just to the individual targeted but to the broader public. “Those indulging in the fake news, as well as those who spread it, should be mindful of its effect, not only on the individual but also the wider society.

The Commission will continue to work with genuine media professionals to combat the scourge of fake news and the danger it poses to society,” he said.

As the custodian of Nigeria’s electoral system, INEC remains under intense scrutiny.

This incident underscores the need for responsible journalism like DDM and the challenges of countering disinformation in an era dominated by social media.

While Professor Mahmood Yakubu continues to navigate the pressures of his role, the persistence of these rumors highlights the complexities of leading in a polarized political landscape.

For Nigeria, the controversy surrounding Yakubu serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between upholding democratic principles and managing public perception.

Whether he emerges from this episode with his reputation intact or further marred will depend on how he addresses the broader challenges facing INEC and its mandate to deliver credible elections in Nigeria.

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