Former Chief Press Secretary to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Rotimi Oyekanmi, has debunked reports claiming that INEC staff sang a “funeral song” during Yakubu’s departure from office.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, Oyekanmi described the report as false, misleading, and a deliberate act of disinformation, allegedly orchestrated by Sahara Reporters. He insisted that the emotional display by staff at INEC headquarters was a show of love and appreciation, not mourning.

“The visible show of love and respect displayed by the appreciative INEC staff as the departing former Chairman walked to his car is now being intentionally misinterpreted and misrepresented as a ‘funeral song this deliberate piece of disinformation can only be conjured by a set of haters masquerading as journalists. But they have failed and will continue to fail.” Oyekanmi said.

Oyekanmi, who also officially left office alongside Yakubu, said that the staff members were in high spirits, commending the former chairman for a decade of impactful leadership that saw numerous promotions, allowances, and capacity-building initiatives for both senior and junior staff.

“Contrary to the misleading report, the majority of INEC staff openly praised Prof. Yakubu’s transformative policies throughout his tenure they always demonstrated love towards him at every opportunity” he added.

He also took a swipe at the platform responsible for the report, accusing it of engaging in a “campaign of calumny” under the guise of journalism.

“Journalism is about facts, accuracy and truthfulness—not a vehicle to spread lies against individuals and institutions,” Oyekanmi said, urging Sahara Reporters to caution those allegedly using its platform to spread falsehoods.

Prof. Yakubu officially stepped down on Tuesday, handing over to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner, who will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

Yakubu was first appointed as INEC Chairman on October 21, 2015, by former President Muhammadu Buhari, and was reappointed in December 2020, becoming the first INEC Chairman to serve two full terms since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

During the handover ceremony, Yakubu said his departure was to pave the way for a new chairman to settle into the role ahead of upcoming elections and electoral activities. Agbamuche-Mbu, in her remarks, commended Yakubu for setting a high standard in electoral leadership.

In a symbolic moment after the ceremony, staff gathered for a group photograph and cheered Yakubu with songs as he walked to his car—an act which Oyekanmi insists was a joyful send-off, not a dirge.

Just a day earlier, on Monday, Yakubu was honoured with an “Excellence in Service Delivery” award during INEC’s celebration of the 2025 Customer Service Week, further underscoring his recognition within the commission.