November 11: INEC to deploy 46,084 ad-hoc staff for Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi Election

For the governorship election scheduled for November 11 in the states of Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo, the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that it will assign 46,084 ad hoc personnel.

This information was revealed by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu on Friday during a meeting with Residents Electoral Commissioners in Abuja.

According to Yakubu, 11,000 observers from recognized national and international organizations would be sent to the off-cycle election.

The INEC Chairman went on to say that 137,934 agents—130,093 polling and 7,841 collation agents—will be used by the 18 political parties running for governor.

Mahmood said “While we are leaving no stone unturned in other areas of preparations for the Governorship elections, the Commission plans to deploy a total of 46,084 regular and ad hoc staff for the election.

“We have so far accredited 126 national and international organisations collectively deploying 11,000 observers for the election.

“Although the portal for media accreditation closes on Tuesday 24th October 2023, we have received applications from 80 media organisations seeking to deploy 1,203 personnel made up of journalists and technical/support staff to report on the elections.

 “The 18 political parties participating in the elections are deploying 137,934 agents made up of 130,093 polling and 7,841 collation agents. We are also finalizing arrangements for vehicles and boats for land and maritime movement of personnel and materials.”

The commission again expressed deep concern over the rising state of insecurity and election-related violence across the three states.

Yakubu noted “Such massive deployment requires a secure environment which is beyond our immediate responsibilities.

“As we said repeatedly, we are concerned about the prevailing insecurity and election-related violence in the three States. We have been reassured of adequate deployment by the security agencies.

“On our part, we will continue to deepen our engagement with the security agencies and more meetings are planned in the next few days.”

“So far, all non-sensitive materials for the election have been delivered to the three States. Other preparatory activities, including training, are on course.

“Valuable lessons have been learnt from the 2023 general election for improved performance in the forthcoming elections,” he added.