The African Action Congress (AAC) has called for a ₦500,000 minimum living wage for workers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party said improved remuneration would help strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and promote free, fair and credible elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Rex I. Elanu, the AAC said credible elections must begin with the economic welfare and dignity of electoral personnel.
The party expressed concern over the deployment of university professors and other workers as electoral officials despite what it described as poor remuneration and difficult economic conditions.
According to the AAC, subjecting electoral personnel to financial hardship while expecting them to resist pressure, inducements and manipulation could undermine election credibility.
“When those entrusted with protecting our votes cannot earn a decent living, our democracy is placed at risk,” the party said.
The AAC stressed that poverty could not excuse electoral malpractice but argued that decent wages would reduce economic vulnerability among electoral workers.
It said the ₦500,000 minimum living wage should begin with INEC, arguing that the government cannot demand credible elections while neglecting the welfare of those responsible for conducting them.
The party also urged INEC and the Federal Government to provide better wages and dignified working conditions for electoral personnel.
It linked the demand to what it described as declining public confidence in INEC’s independence and credibility.
The AAC said its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, had consistently advocated adequate remuneration for electoral workers and their right to organise and pursue lawful industrial action.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to Nigerian workers, insisting that credible elections cannot be built on a foundation of workers’ poverty.
