The rumour, which spread rapidly via WhatsApp, stated: “INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied reports circulating and suggesting that its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has been dismissed by President Bola Tinubu.

The rumour, which spread rapidly via WhatsApp, stated: “INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu.” The message bore no attribution and quickly stirred public speculation.

Responding to an enquiry from SaharaReporters the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, stated: “Please, disregard.”

Professor Yakubu is currently serving his second term and is expected to conclude his tenure by the end of the year.In Nigeria, the appointment of an INEC Chairman involves several constitutional steps.

The President nominates a candidate and forwards their particulars to the Department of State Services (DSS) for profiling.

Following this, the National Council of State provides an advisory review.

If cleared, the nominee’s name is sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation.