The Presidency has dismissed widespread rumours alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sacked the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
The false reports, which circulated on Monday afternoon, claimed that Yakubu had been replaced by one Bashiru Olamilekan—a claim the presidency has now described as “fake news.”
In a statement released on Monday, O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Digital and New Media, urged the general public to disregard the reports, describing them as baseless and untrue.
“There has been no such announcement or decision. Any changes regarding the leadership of INEC will be officially communicated through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) or other recognized government channels,” Ogra stated.
He emphasized the need for Nigerians to rely solely on verified sources for news and political developments, cautioning against the spread of misinformation capable of creating unnecessary tension.
As of the time of filing this report, Professor Mahmood Yakubu remains the substantive chairman of INEC, and no official directive has been issued regarding his removal or replacement.
