In recent hours, Nigeria’s political space has been abuzz with viral claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and appointed Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan in his place.
These reports, circulated widely across social media and blogs, sparked widespread confusion and concern over the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral body. However, the presidency has swiftly moved to debunk these rumors, labeling them as fake news and urging the public to rely only on verified government channels for accurate information.
The Viral Claim: Where Did It Begin?
Over the weekend, several blogs and social media platforms began reporting that President Tinubu had dismissed the INEC Chairman, citing unnamed sources. According to these unverified posts, Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan was supposedly being positioned to take over the commission.
The news spread like wildfire, drawing reactions from political commentators, opposition members, and ordinary Nigerians, many of whom feared what such a change might mean for the country’s electoral future.
Timeline of Events:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 6, 2025 | Viral social media posts claim INEC chairman has been sacked |
| April 7, 2025 | Multiple blogs publish reports citing unnamed sources |
| April 7, 2025 | Presidency responds through digital media adviser, debunks rumor |
Official Response: “Disregard Fake News,” Says Presidency
In response to the growing speculation, O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Digital and New Media, issued a firm rebuttal.
“Disregard any fake news making the rounds about the replacement of the INEC Chairman. Any such announcement will come from the SGF’s office or another official source,” Ogra stated.
This clarification has helped to calm nerves, but also raised concerns about the growing influence of misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space, especially concerning sensitive political topics.
Who Is Prof. Mahmood Yakubu?
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has been at the helm of INEC since 2015 and has overseen multiple election cycles, including the controversial 2023 general elections. His tenure has been a mix of praise and criticism, with many acknowledging his reforms while others questioned the transparency of some election outcomes.
Profile Snapshot:
| Name | Prof. Mahmood Yakubu |
|---|---|
| Position | INEC Chairman |
| Appointed | November 2015 (reappointed in 2020) |
| Key Elections Oversaw | 2019, 2023 General Elections |
| Background | Academic, former Executive Secretary of TETFund |
While his role remains controversial, no official statement from the Presidency, the National Assembly, or the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has confirmed any plans to relieve him of his duties.
Who Is Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan?
Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan, the academic mentioned in the fake reports, is not a widely known political figure. While he has held various academic positions, there is no verifiable connection between him and any current appointments in INEC or the Presidency.
The use of his name in the viral reports appears to have been a fabrication or part of a larger misinformation strategy to stir political anxiety.
Misinformation in Nigeria’s Digital Age
This event underscores the dangerous rise of fake news and misinformation in Nigeria, especially via platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter. With political stakes high and public trust low, any rumor—especially one concerning a national institution like INEC—can easily escalate into a national crisis.
Effects of Political Misinformation:
| Effect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Public Distrust | Erodes faith in electoral institutions |
| Political Unrest | Sparks protests or retaliatory statements |
| International Scrutiny | Damages Nigeria’s democratic credibility |
| Governance Disruption | Distracts from actual policy focus |
This incident serves as a timely reminder for Nigerians to verify information from official channels before reacting or sharing.
INEC’s Current Role in Nigeria’s Democracy
INEC is one of the most critical institutions in Nigeria’s democratic architecture. Any change in its leadership, especially during non-election seasons, could raise suspicions of political interference and destabilize ongoing electoral preparations for future state elections and the 2027 general elections.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu remains the current INEC Chairman, and the Commission continues to operate under his leadership. There is no constitutional provision for the President to remove the INEC Chairman without going through the Senate and judicial oversight.
The Presidency’s Commitment to Transparency?
President Tinubu’s administration, which has faced its own share of credibility challenges since assuming office, is now under pressure to improve communication channels and fact-checking mechanisms to combat the spread of fake news.
In recent months, opposition figures and activists have accused the administration of subtle attempts to influence electoral institutions. Although no direct evidence supports these claims, they continue to shape public perception.
What Nigerians Are Saying
Social media remains divided on the matter. While some users expressed relief that the news was fake, others used the moment to vent their broader frustrations with INEC and its perceived partiality.
Trending Social Media Hashtags:
- #MahmoodStays
- #FakeNewsAlert
- #INECNotForSale
- #DemocracyInDanger
Nigerians are calling for transparency, digital literacy, and media responsibility as the country prepares for critical state elections in coming months.
Truth Over Haste
In times of political uncertainty, it is crucial to uphold facts over hearsay. The rumor surrounding the removal of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and the appointment of Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan was a classic example of how easily disinformation can spread and create unnecessary panic.
The Presidency has made its position clear: No INEC Chairman has been removed. No replacement has been announced. Nigerians are encouraged to stay informed through reliable sources and avoid being instruments of digital confusion.
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