ABUJA: The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Tuesday presided over the commission’s weekly management meeting at its headquarters in Abuja.
This comes shortly after unverified reports circulated on social media claiming his removal from office. The false message, which gained traction via WhatsApp, alleged that President Bola Tinubu had replaced Yakubu with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan. The message lacked credible attribution and was quickly debunked.
Reacting to an inquiry by Vanguard, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, dismissed the report, stating, “Please, disregard. It is not true.”
Prof. Yakubu, who is currently serving his second term as INEC Chairman, is expected to complete his tenure towards the end of the year.
INEC confirmed the commencement of the management meeting via its official handle on Tuesday. According to the statement, Prof. Yakubu chaired the meeting, which was attended by National Commissioners including Mr. Sam Olumekun, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Mr. Kenneth Ukeagu, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, and Dr. Baba Bila.
Other attendees included Malam Mohammed Haruna, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, Prof. Sani Adam (SAN), and the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
The commission noted that crucial decisions were expected to be made during the session.
