Rotimi Oyekanmi, former Chief Press Secretary to the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has dismissed reports claiming that Commission staff sang a funeral song for his ex-principal.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, Oyekanmi described the report as false and malicious, alleging it was fabricated by “haters masquerading as journalists.”
He clarified that the scene, which some platforms misrepresented, was actually a “visible show of love and respect” from INEC staff as Yakubu departed the Commission’s headquarters.
“The deliberate piece of disinformation can only be conjured by a set of haters masquerading as journalists at Sahara Reporters. But they have failed and will continue to fail,” Oyekanmi said.
He added that INEC staff openly expressed appreciation for Yakubu’s decade-long reforms that improved staff welfare, promotions, and training initiatives, emphasizing that the former chairman enjoyed genuine affection from employees throughout his tenure.
“Journalism is about facts, accuracy and truthfulness, not a vehicle to be misused by pseudo-journalists to embark on a campaign of calumny,” he said, insisting that Yakubu’s legacy in the Commission remains secure.
Yakubu officially bowed out as INEC Chairman on Tuesday, handing over to May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, who will serve as Acting Chairman pending the appointment of his successor.