Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2027 general election, has expressed concerns over the welfare of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff. He made this statement in response to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan's disclosure that INEC personnel are the least-paid workers in Nigeria. Sowore argued that it is unfair to expect electoral workers to protect the integrity of the electoral process while being poorly compensated.
Sowore demanded a minimum wage of N500,000 for INEC workers, emphasizing that decent pay is essential to the credibility and integrity of elections. He stated that electoral integrity should begin with decent working conditions and a living wage for those responsible for conducting elections. According to Sowore, if INEC workers continue to be treated with contempt, he will join them in boycotting the 2027 elections.
Professor Joash Amupitan had earlier stated that INEC workers are the least paid in Nigeria and that the commission had begun taking measures to improve their welfare. He noted that better remuneration is necessary if INEC expects its personnel to remain accountable in the discharge of their responsibilities. Amupitan disclosed that the commission had taken radical steps to prioritize the welfare of its personnel.
As part of efforts to address weaknesses identified within the electoral system, INEC has been removed from the conventional civil service payment structure. This change allows the commission to operate separate electoral and salary structures. Amupitan explained that INEC has learned from its experience under the civil service payment structure and has now created its own separate structure.
The INEC chairman also announced that the commission is making provisions for possible rerun elections as part of its preparations for the 2027 general elections. He described rerun elections as a constitutional matter, noting that INEC has to make provisions for them while planning for the general elections. According to Amupitan, the Constitution already provides the procedures and protocols for conducting rerun elections.
Sowore also argued that INEC workers have the right to organize and demand improved conditions of service, including through lawful industrial action. He emphasized that no decent wages mean no credible elections. Sowore's position highlights the need for the government to address the welfare concerns of INEC staff to ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
The development has sparked a renewed debate about the welfare of INEC staff and its implications for the electoral process. As the 2027 general elections approach, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the issue is resolved. The AAC candidate's threat to boycott the election if INEC staff welfare concerns are ignored has added a new dimension to the conversation.
Key points
- - Omoyele Sowore demands a minimum wage of N500,000 for INEC workers - Sowore threatens to boycott the 2027 election if INEC staff welfare concerns are ignored - INEC has been removed from the conventional civil service payment structure to prioritize staff welfare
