ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, led the commission’s weekly management meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, following false rumors of his removal that circulated on social media just a day earlier.
On Monday, a viral WhatsApp message claimed that President Bola Tinubu had sacked Yakubu and appointed Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan in his place. The unverified claim sparked widespread confusion. However, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, quickly debunked the rumor, stating, “Please, disregard. It is not true.”
Prof. Yakubu, who is nearing the end of his second term at INEC, plans to complete his tenure by the end of this year. On Tuesday, INEC confirmed via their official X account that the weekly management meeting was underway at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, with Yakubu presiding.
The meeting saw the attendance of several National Commissioners, including Mr. Sam Olumekun, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Mr. Kenneth Ukeagu, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, and Dr. Baba Bila, among others. The agenda for the meeting includes crucial decisions that could impact the upcoming electoral processes.
In the official post from INEC, they stated, “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, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Mr. Kenneth Ukeagu, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, and Dr. Baba Bila. Others are: Malam Mohammed Haruna, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, Prof. Sani Adam (SAN), and the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Orianran-Antony. Crucial decisions will be taken at the meeting.”
This meeting comes at a crucial time for INEC, as speculation and misinformation can heavily influence public perception and electoral integrity. The current electoral cycle has undergone scrutiny, and maintaining transparent communication is vital for the commission as they prepare for forthcoming elections.
Gift, a journalist from The PUNCH, emphasized the importance of accurate information in his coverage of elections. With over three years of experience covering elections, security, and foreign affairs, he recognizes the impact of rumors on public trust in electoral institutions.
