Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, has called on the federal government to increase the minimum wage of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) workers to N500,000. He argued that inadequate compensation undermines the credibility of Nigerian elections.
Sowore made the demand on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday night, October 6, reacting to a statement by INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan that the commission's staff are among the lowest-paid workers in the country.
Sowore Links Decent Pay to Electoral Integrity
In his post, Sowore wrote: "INEC staff deserve a minimum wage of N500,000. Electoral integrity must begin with decent working conditions and a living wage for the people entrusted with administering our elections."
The activist argued that workers responsible for administering elections cannot be expected to protect the electoral process while receiving poor compensation. He stressed that ensuring a living wage for electoral workers is a foundational step toward credible polls.
Boycott Threat Over Poor Working Conditions
Beyond the wage demand, Sowore issued a direct warning to stay away from the 2027 elections alongside INEC staff if their conditions do not improve. He stated: "If these workers continue to be treated with contempt, I will join them to boycott the 2027 elections."
The presidential hopeful also defended the right of electoral workers to organise and pursue better terms, including through lawful industrial action. He capped his post with the declaration: "No decent wages, no credible elections!"
2027 Election Schedule and Context
According to INEC's election calendar, the presidential and National Assembly elections are set for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
Sowore's call comes amid ongoing discussions about the welfare of electoral officials, who play a critical role in the democratic process. His remarks have sparked reactions on social media, with some users supporting his position and others criticising his approach.
Sowore Shares RCCG Thanksgiving Service Experience
In a separate development, Sowore disclosed that the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, prayed for him. Sowore, 55, said this in a Facebook post after attending the RCCG's National Thanksgiving Service at its headquarters in Ebute Metta, Lagos.
The AAC presidential candidate, who said he attended the service on invitation, disclosed that he was accompanied by his party's National Chairman, Samuel Ajeigbe. Sowore explained that he met privately with Pastor Adeboye after the service and that the cleric offered to pray for him.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Sowore came under fire over his remarks about President Bola Tinubu. Reacting to President Tinubu's portrayal of Nigeria as progressing, Sowore insisted that corruption remains a major challenge in the country. While a few internet users sided with Sowore, many Nigerians took exception to his description of the president as "this criminal".
