APC, INEC bicker over ad-hoc staff training

The All Progressives Congress in Ondo State has alleged the training of ad-hoc staff for the forthcoming governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Lagos state.

This was contained in a statement issued by the state publicity secretary, Abayomi Adesanya, who queried the rationale behind the training of the ad hoc staff for the election outside the state.

Adesanya alleged: “We have it on good authority, that INEC is recruiting ad hoc staff from Ojokoro LCDA, which was created out of Alimosho Local Government Area in Lagos, and we know that,  the elements working with some INEC officials are closely linked to some of Olusola Oke’s supporters in Lagos and Osun State.”

“We know that, ad hoc staff are usually officials of Federal Government agencies in the state, neighbouring states and youth corp members. But we could not imagine why Lagos State is being used for surreptitious recruitments by INEC.”

The party called on the leadership of INEC to reverse its decision to train the staff in Lagos.

“As we have said before, we have lost confidence in the leadership of INEC in Ondo State, and our petition has been sent to the appropriate authorities,” it said.

Reacting to the allegation, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Olusegun Agbaje said the allegation was not only false but that it was designed to stir controversy in the state.

He said: “This is reckless accusation how can somebody just sit down in the corner of his room and come out with such allegation just to cause problem.There is nothing like that.”