No Funeral Here!’ — INEC Reacts To Viral Claims Of Farewell Song For Yakubu

Former Chief Press Secretary to the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, has dismissed reports claiming that INEC staff sang a “funeral song” as Yakubu bowed out of office on Tuesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oyekanmi, who left office alongside his principal, described the gesture by staff as an expression of affection and respect, not a dirge as portrayed by some sections of the media.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Oyekanmi said, “The visible show of love and respect displayed by appreciative INEC staff at the Commission’s headquarters as the outgoing Chairman, Prof. Yakubu, walked to his car, is now being deliberately twisted and misrepresented as a ‘funeral song’.”

He accused Sahara Reporters of spreading misinformation and attempting to tarnish Yakubu’s reputation, describing the report as “a deliberate act of disinformation.”

“This malicious fabrication could only come from a band of haters masquerading as journalists at Sahara Reporters. But they have failed and will continue to fail,” he said.

Oyekanmi noted that throughout Yakubu’s 10-year leadership, INEC staff consistently expressed admiration for his welfare-driven policies and reform initiatives, which led to improved staff promotions, allowances, and capacity-building opportunities.

“Contrary to the false narrative, the majority of INEC staff have always appreciated Yakubu’s transformative policies that enhanced staff welfare and professional growth,” he stated.

He further criticised what he described as the abuse of journalism to spread falsehoods and personal attacks, urging media organisations to uphold truth and accuracy.

“Journalism should be about facts, accuracy, and truthfulness — not a tool for pseudo-journalists to run smear campaigns against individuals,” he warned. “It is high time Sahara Reporters cautioned those using its platform to spread lies about people, institutions, and events, as such practices will ultimately damage its credibility.”

Oyekanmi maintained that Yakubu’s legacy at the electoral commission remains intact despite attempts to discredit him.

“Prof. Yakubu’s place in history is assured, regardless of the lies being spread by familiar forces,” he said.

Yakubu formally handed over leadership of the commission on Tuesday to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, who will serve in acting capacity until President Bola Tinubu appoints a substantive successor.

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