INEC Ad Hoc Staff Lament Unpaid Allowances After Ondo Governorship Election

Ad hoc staff recruited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State have accused the commission of failing to pay their allowances, 22 days after the polls. The workers, numbering over 17,000, have expressed frustration over the delayed payments, alleging broken promises by INEC to disburse their allowances promptly after the election.

One of the affected workers, identified as Ade, voiced his grievances on Sunday, criticizing INEC’s silence over the issue. “They are yet to pay us our allowance. As I speak with you now, INEC is not speaking with us. They are not giving us listening ears at all. Many of us are affected, and they are yet to pay. It is sad that INEC is yet to fulfil its promise of paying us,” he said.

He further warned that if payments were not made soon, the workers would mobilize and stage a mass protest at the INEC office.

Another ad hoc worker, who chose to remain anonymous, appealed to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to intervene. “I believe the INEC Chairman is not aware of this problem. If he knows, he should intervene because we don’t know why our money is being delayed. INEC should do something,” the worker said.

INEC Responds to Allegations

Reacting to the claims, INEC’s spokesperson in Ondo State, Dr. Temitope Akanmu, denied the allegations, stating that the commission had commenced payment but acknowledged that banking issues had caused some delays.

“We have paid the ad hoc staff who worked during the election. But we understand that there are some who have issues with their banks, and we are working with them to resolve whatever problem they might be experiencing,” Akanmu explained.

He assured that efforts were underway to address the remaining cases. “The few ones who are yet to receive their payments will get them soon, I can assure them. The REC, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, is deeply concerned about this matter, which is related to banking errors. She has instructed that it be resolved as quickly as possible.”

Persistent Frustration Among Workers

Despite INEC’s reassurances, many ad hoc workers remain dissatisfied and continue to demand immediate action. The delay has fueled growing tension, with some workers threatening protests if their grievances are not addressed promptly.

The situation underscores the need for INEC to streamline its payment processes to avoid future delays and maintain trust among its temporary workforce, whose contributions are critical to the smooth conduct of elections.