The Independent National Electoral Commission has dismissed calls for a review or discontinuation of its Memorandum of Understanding with the National Youth Service Corps and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, insisting the partnership remains critical to credible elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, stated this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the state NYSC leadership, led by its Coordinator, Mr Ekeng Ita Kubiangha.
Agboke described the calls for a review as “nonsensical and unpatriotic,” stressing that the collaboration between INEC and NYSC had strengthened electoral administration nationwide.
“It is a nonsensical talk for any Nigerian to suggest that INEC should discontinue the MoU with NYSC and ASUU. The synergy must be maintained and sustained,” he said.
He assured that corps members deployed for election duties were adequately protected, adding that INEC and NYSC shared joint responsibility for their welfare and training.
According to him, the commission was already working on improving training modules for corps members and addressing operational gaps, including the provision of standby vehicles to convey them to registration and election centres.
“The training should be rejigged. We will also ensure the availability of standby vehicles to ferry corps members to their duty posts. This is timely and cost-effective,” Agboke said.
He also condemned alleged rivalry between INEC electoral officers and NYSC local government inspectors, warning that such friction could undermine the electoral process.
“We must come together and achieve the same result. The job must not suffer,” he added.
Earlier, Kubiangha said the partnership between INEC and NYSC remained pivotal to the conduct of elections across the country, noting that the MoU clearly outlined areas of cooperation and timelines.
He said strict adherence to the agreement would improve efficiency in electoral operations involving corps members.
“Our corps members are part and parcel of the process. Their security is very paramount when it comes to national assignments,” he said.
Kubiangha also proposed that INEC’s training materials for corps members should be made available electronically ahead of physical sessions to enhance preparedness and understanding of electoral procedures.
He assured that NYSC in Osun State would continue to support INEC without bias, stressing the scheme’s commitment to professionalism, neutrality and credible elections.
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