The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed social media claims that its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has been removed from office by President Bola Tinubu.
A viral WhatsApp message claimed that Mahmood had been sacked and replaced by Prof. Olamilekan.
“INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has been replaced by Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan, appointed by President Tinubu,” the message, which lacked any attribution, stated.
In response to an inquiry from Vanguard, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, stated: “Please disregard this. It is not true.”
Yakubu, who is nearing the end of his second term, is expected to leave his position later this year.
The process for appointing an INEC chairman involves the President nominating a candidate and submitting their details to the Department of State Services (DSS) for vetting.
Following this screening, the President presents the name to the National Council of State for advisory review. Based on their feedback, the President then forwards the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
