The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, is currently presiding over the commission’s weekly management meeting, barely 24 hours after rumours of his removal circulated on social media.
On Monday, a viral WhatsApp message falsely claimed that Yakubu had been sacked and replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Bola Tinubu.
The message, which lacked any reliable source or attribution, sparked confusion across various platforms.
In response to the rumour, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, dismissed the claims as false, stating, “Please, disregard. It is not true.”
Yakubu, who is nearing the conclusion of his second tenure at the helm of INEC, is expected to complete his term towards the end of the year.
On Tuesday, INEC took to its X to confirm that the weekly management meeting had begun, with Yakubu overseeing the session at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
National Commissioners in attendance included Mr. Sam Olumekun, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Mr. Kenneth Ukeagu, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, and Dr. Baba Bila, among others. The meeting is expected to address crucial electoral decisions.
The post read, “The Independent National Electoral Commission’s weekly meeting began earlier today at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, with the Hon. Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu superintending.
“National Commissioners attending the meeting include: Mr. Sam Olumekun mni, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Mr Kenneth Ukeagu, Prof. Abudullahi Abdu Zuru, and Dr Baba Bila.
“Others are: Malam Mohammed Haruna, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, Prof. Sani Adam (SAN) and Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Orianran-Antony.
“Crucial decisions will be taken at the meeting.”
The PUNCH
