The Presidency has dismissed reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu has removed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, from office.
Earlier on Monday, news spread widely on social media alleging that Yakubu had been sacked and replaced by one Professor Bashiru Olamilekan. The report described the development as part of a “sweeping change” in the leadership of INEC.
But in a swift response, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Digital and New Media, O’tega Ogra, said the story was false and should be ignored.
“Disregard any fake news making the rounds about the replacement of the INEC Chairman,” Ogra wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He explained that if such a decision were to be made, it would come from a proper government office.
“Any such announcement will come from the SGF’s office or any other official source,” he added, referring to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The rumour caused confusion and concern among Nigerians online, but no official government statement has supported the claim. As of now, Professor Yakubu remains the INEC Chairman.
