FACT CHECK: Is INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Dead?

Reports have been circulating on Facebook claiming that the chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has passed away. However, investigations reveal that this claim is false.

The misinformation seems to have gained traction following the death of Professor Humphrey Nwosu, a former chairperson of Nigeria’s electoral commission, in October 2024. Nwosu chaired the National Electoral Commission (NEC), now INEC, from 1989 to 1993 and oversaw the annulled June 12, 1993 elections.

The viral posts allege that Yakubu died in London after a brief illness. One Facebook post reads:
“Breaking News: INEC Chairman, Professor Yakubu, Passes Away in London After Brief Illness.”

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It goes further to describe supposed details of Yakubu’s death, claiming he went to bed healthy but suffered a medical emergency, leading to his demise.

Verification of Claims

Credible news outlets, both local and international, have not reported on Yakubu’s alleged death. As a prominent public figure, any such news would have been widely covered.

Rotimi Oyekanmi, INEC’s spokesperson, has debunked the claim, stating:
“The INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, is alive, hale and hearty.”

Furthermore, Yakubu appeared in a TV interview on December 7, 2024, where he commented on Ghana’s elections, reinforcing that the death claim is a hoax.

*The Spread of False Information*

The posts were shared widely on Facebook, exploiting public curiosity and sowing confusion. Death hoaxes of this nature are a common form of misinformation, often designed to mislead and draw attention.

Conclusion

Professor Mahmood Yakubu is alive and continues to serve as the INEC chairman. The claims of his death are baseless and should be disregarded. Social media users are advised to verify news from reliable sources before sharing.