The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reassured members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed for the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for Saturday of their safety and timely payment of election duty allowances.
Speaking to journalists in Awka on Wednesday, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, emphasized that the welfare and security of corps members serving as ad hoc staff during the election remain top priorities for the Commission and the security agencies involved.
Prof. Amupitan described the NYSC members as critical partners in the electoral process, commending their role in ensuring transparent and credible elections.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure that we use corps members in uniform so they can be easily identified and distinguished from others,” he said. “We don’t use people who are already partisan. As for their allowances, we have made proper arrangements, and nothing will be held back.”
The INEC boss further disclosed that the Commission had already made adequate financial and logistical provisions to ensure a smooth electoral exercise.
“Everything required for the Anambra election has been provided. If there are any minor balances, they will be addressed immediately, including allowances for the corps members,” Amupitan assured.
Security Arrangements in Place
On the issue of security, Prof. Amupitan revealed that the Nigerian Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, had finalized robust plans to protect all election personnel, materials, and voters.
He said security operatives had already begun “raking the ground” in sensitive areas across the state to identify and neutralize potential threats before election day.
“The police and other agencies are conducting pre-election security sweeps, and they’ll also carry out mop-up operations later,” Amupitan explained. “We have done everything within our capacity to guarantee safety — not just for voters, but for all officials participating in the election.”
INEC’s reassurance comes amid growing public concern over the safety of ad hoc staff, especially in light of previous elections in the Southeast region that were marred by violence and attacks on polling units.
Prof. Amupitan urged the corps members to remain professional, neutral, and dedicated in discharging their duties, while also commending their continued patriotism in supporting Nigeria’s democratic process.
