The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed circulating rumours that its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has been sacked by President Bola Tinubu.
It was gathered that a viral WhatsApp message falsely claimed that Mahmood was replaced by Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan, but this claim has been refuted by INEC.
Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, told Vanguard to disregard the claim, stating that it is not true.
“Please, disregard. It is not true,” he said.
Yakubu, who is nearing the end of his second term, is expected to leave his position by the end of the year.
The process for appointing a new INEC Chairman involves a nomination by the President, followed by a screening process with the Department of State Services (DSS), advisory review by the National Council of State, and eventual Senate confirmation.