Umeh Calls for INEC to Reduce Ad Hoc Staff Ahead of 2027

On September 11, 2026, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central and seeking re-election on the Nigeria Democratic Congress platform, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to phase out ad hoc staff in favor of a more robust permanent workforce ahead of the 2027 general elections. During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Umeh expressed concerns that the movement of electoral personnel between states could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

He alleged that ad hoc staff are sometimes deployed to serve the interests of powerful individuals during elections. Umeh commended INEC for its ongoing recruitment efforts but emphasized the need to focus on strengthening its permanent workforce, which he believes would enhance accountability and training.

He criticized the current practice of recruiting temporary staff, arguing that permanent personnel would be better suited for roles such as collation and returning officers.