April 07, (THEWILL) – The Presidency on Monday dismissed viral social media claims suggesting that President Bola Tinubu has approved the replacement of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

A post circulating online alleged that Prof. Bashir Olamilekan had been appointed as Yakubu’s successor, triggering confusion and speculation across digital platforms.

However, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, O’tega Ogra, swiftly debunked the claim, describing it as fake news.

“CAVEAT: The Nigerian public should 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 any other appropriate official source,” Ogra stated in a post via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

THEWILL reports that Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who was reappointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020, is currently serving his second and final five-year term, which is expected to end on November 9, 2025.

There has been no official communication from the Presidency or the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) regarding any plans to replace the electoral chief.