INEC Speaks On Replacing Shortlisted Ad-Hoc Staff With Unknown Individual In Bayelsa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa State has denied purported reports of dropping and replacing shortlisted and trained ad-hoc staff with unknown individuals in the ongoing governorship election.

Naija News reports that the Head Of Department of Voter Education and Publicity, INEC Bayelsa State Office, Wilfred Ifogah, said the electoral umpire will not engage in such an act, insisting there are procedures for the recruitment and shortlisting of ad-hoc staff.

The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to an online social media statement alleging that shortlisted and trained ad-hoc staff by the Commission were dropped and replaced with unknown individuals.

“I wish to state here that it is not true that names of trained personnel who applied were substituted with individuals from unknown source as claimed in the statement.

“Those who were successful from the recruitment exercise were contacted and camped at the various Registration Area Centers (RACS) a night to election day in preparation for deployment to their various polling units on 11th November 2023.

“I wish to also inform that the Commission has a methodical approach to the recruitment, training and shortlisting of ad-hoc personnel which it cannot afford to breach or sabotage.

“Lastly, we also advise stakeholders and other citizens to be wary of similar unfounded rumours that are bound to be disseminated by persons whose interest is to undermine the Commission.”