INEC says over 1.4 million ad hoc staff, mainly NYSC members, will be deployed for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, has disclosed plans to deploy more than 1.4 million ad hoc staff, mostly members of the National Youth Service Corps, for the 2027 general elections.
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INEC chairman Joash Amupitan made the announcement on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, at the Yakubu Gowon House in Abuja.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between both institutions ahead of future elections.
Joash Amupitan described the NYSC as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that corps members have participated in virtually every election cycle since 1999.
“INEC cannot conduct elections in Nigeria without the NYSC,” the INEC chairman stated.
He explained that corps members remain central to election field operations because of their neutrality, discipline and commitment.
According to him, INEC deployed about 1.2 million ad hoc staff during the 2023 general elections, with more than 70 per cent, nearly 850,000 personnel, drawn from corps members and student volunteers.
Speaking on preparations for the next election cycle, Joash Amupitan disclosed that the commission would require 707,384 ad hoc staff for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.
He added that another 707,384 personnel would be needed for the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections fixed for February 6, 2027, bringing the total to 1,414,768.
The INEC chairman also revealed that an additional 52,446 corps members would be deployed for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, alongside by-elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi and Kano states.
Joash Amupitan praised corps members for protecting the integrity of elections across 176,846 polling units nationwide, including difficult terrains.
He further commended their digital expertise, particularly in operating the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System during recent elections.
“In those exercises, it was the digital proficiency of corps members that ensured the seamless performance of our BVAS,” he said.
The INEC chairman assured that the commission would continue working with security agencies and the NYSC to improve the welfare and safety of corps members during elections.
Responding, Brig Gen Olakunle Nafiu appreciated INEC for sustaining its partnership with the NYSC, noting that the Memorandum of Understanding between both organisations was first signed in 2011.
He described corps members as reliable and easily trainable, adding that the growing presence of digitally savvy Gen Z members would further strengthen election operations.
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The announcement comes as INEC intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections and upcoming off-cycle governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun states.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
