The Presidency has firmly denied reports circulating online that President Bola Tinubu has dismissed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
The false reports, which gained traction early Monday, claimed that Yakubu had been removed and replaced by one Professor Bashiru Olamilekan, in what was described as a major shake-up in the electoral body.
Reacting to the rumours, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Digital and New Media, O’tega Ogra, labeled the claims as “fake news” and urged Nigerians to disregard the misinformation.
“Disregard any fake news making the rounds about the replacement of the INEC Chairman,” Ogra posted via X (formerly Twitter).
He clarified that any official announcement regarding such a sensitive decision would come directly from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) or another authorised channel.
“Any such announcement will come from the SGF’s office or any other official source,” he added.
The Presidency’s swift response comes amid growing concern and confusion on social media, where the unverified claims had quickly spread. No federal agency or credible source has issued any confirmation of the alleged sack.