The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed widespread social media reports suggesting that its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has been removed from office by President Bola Tinubu.
A message circulating on WhatsApp falsely claimed that Yakubu had been replaced by Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan, attributing the change to a directive from the President. The message, however, lacked any official source or verification.
Reacting to the rumor, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, told Vanguard: “Please, disregard. It is not true.”
Prof. Yakubu is currently serving his second term, which is expected to conclude later this year. The process of appointing a new INEC Chairman involves several steps: the President nominates a candidate, who is then vetted by the Department of State Services (DSS), after which the nomination is presented to the National Council of State for advisory input. Finally, the nominee’s name is forwarded to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
