By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Presidency has denied reports that Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has been removed from office, cautioning the public to ignore fake news on social media.
This clarification was made by O’tega Ogra, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital Media, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“The Nigerian public should disregard any fake news making the rounds about the replacement of the INEC Chairman,” Ogra wrote. “Any such announcement will come from the SGF’s office or any other appropriate official source.”
These reports, which lacked credible sources or official confirmation, quickly gained traction and stirred political debate over the weekend. Critics of the electoral process have often called for Yakubu’s resignation or removal, citing alleged irregularities and performance issues.
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Yakubu was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and reappointed in 2020. He has come under scrutiny following the 2023 general elections. The INEC Chairman plays a key role in Nigeria’s democratic process, overseeing national elections.
Analysts say rumors or unverified reports about his removal could trigger political instability, undermine confidence in the electoral system, and fuel misinformation. With political parties preparing for an off-cycle gubernatorial election in Anambra state later this year, news of the alleged replacement of the INEC chairman stimulates attention.
The presidency’s prompt clarification seeks to douse any tension or speculation that may arise from the online claims. It also reaffirms the importance of relying on official government communication channels for verified information.
Ogra’s statement aligns with the government’s protocol on the dissemination of official decisions, which typically come through formal channels such as the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) or presidential spokespersons.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official announcement or communication from any relevant government office regarding a change in the leadership of INEC. Yakubu is serving his second five-year term as INEC Chairman.
Any removal or replacement of the INEC Chairman must follow due constitutional and legal processes. The INEC Chairman can only be removed by the President acting on an address supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate.