The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has affirmed that it will not be recruiting new ad hoc staff for the upcoming February 3 rerun and by-elections. Mrs. Mary Nkem, the Director of Voter Education and Publicity Department at INEC, made this clear in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Nkem explained that for the conduct of the elections, the commission will be utilizing its permanent staff members in the affected states. In cases where there might be a shortfall for certain categories, INEC will source additional personnel from nearby states. However, for Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs), the commission plans to deploy National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving within the respective states.
Assuring that the commission is well-prepared, Nkem emphasized INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. Funds have already been deployed to the affected states, and training for the Training of Trainers (ToT) has commenced.
“We have conducted the ToT at the headquarters here in Abuja and training of the personnel also commenced in states on Tuesday,” Nkem said.
The deployment of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) staff for the configuration of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has begun in affected states. Nkem clarified that there are no challenges regarding the required number of BVAS for the elections, and sensitive materials are ready.
She advised political parties and candidates participating in the elections to adhere to the rules, engage in issue-based campaigns, and avoid the use of foul language.
