Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), has called for a minimum wage of N500,000 for workers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Nigeria prepares for the upcoming 2027 general elections. Sowore's demand, articulated on his verified X account on October 6, emphasizes the critical link between fair compensation and the integrity of the electoral process.

Sowore's statement comes in response to comments made by INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan, who noted that the commission's staff are among the lowest-paid in the country. The activist argues that if electoral workers are inadequately compensated, it undermines their ability to ensure fair and credible elections. He stated, "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."

In addition to his wage demand, Sowore warned that he would join INEC workers in boycotting the 2027 elections if their working conditions do not improve. He expressed his solidarity with the electoral staff, asserting that if they continue to be treated poorly, he would refuse to participate in the electoral process. "If these workers continue to be treated with contempt, I will join them to boycott the 2027 elections," he declared.

Sowore also defended the right of electoral workers to organize and advocate for better working conditions, including the option to engage in lawful industrial action. He stressed that without decent wages, the credibility of the elections cannot be guaranteed, stating emphatically, "No decent wages, no credible elections!"

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 election cycle, the INEC has already outlined its election calendar, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, followed by governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027. Sowore's call for a wage increase highlights the ongoing discussions around electoral reform and the treatment of workers within the electoral system, raising important questions about the future of Nigeria's democratic processes.