Rotimi Oyekanmi, the former Chief Press Secretary to the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has dismissed a report by an online medium alleging that the commission’s staff sang a funeral hymn to bid farewell to the ex-chairman.

An online publication claimed that several INEC staff were captured in a short video singing a Christian hymn traditionally used during burials as they bade farewell to Yakubu at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, Oyekanmi described the report as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misrepresent a genuine show of affection and respect for the outgoing INEC chairman.

He said, “It is quite a shame that a news platform would report the direct opposite of an event even when the evidence is clear.

“The visible show of love and respect displayed by appreciative INEC staff as the departing chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, walked to his car is now being intentionally misinterpreted and misrepresented as a ‘funeral song.”

Oyekanmi noted that INEC staff had consistently expressed admiration for Yakubu’s leadership, citing his policies on staff welfare, promotions, allowances, and capacity development during his 10-year tenure.

He added that the outgoing chairman’s relationship with staff had always been marked by mutual respect and appreciation.

“Journalism is about facts, accuracy, and truthfulness — not a tool to be misused by pseudo-journalists for campaigns of calumny,” he said.

“Prof. Yakubu’s place in history is assured, no matter the falsehoods spread by familiar forces.”