Rotimi Amaechi has strongly warned politicians against stealing result sheets at polling units, highlighting the grave risks to INEC ad-hoc staff during Nigerian elections
Former Rivers State governor and African Democratic Congress presidential running mate Rotimi Amaechi issued a stark warning to politicians on Sunday 29 June 2026 in Nigeria, accusing them of stealing election result sheets at polling units and endangering the lives of Independent National Electoral Commission ad-hoc staff.
Also read: AA Condemns Attack on Presidential Candidate as Cowardly Assault on Democracy
Addressing a group of youths, the veteran politician, who left university in 1987 and entered politics that same year, stressed that the real contest occurs at the unit level where votes are cast and counted.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and insist on proper counting and handling of results.
Amaechi said: “Politicians steal result sheets at the unit level risking the life of the INEC adhoc officer. As he comes, show us the result sheet or you are not going because politicians don’t care about your life, some parents must stop their children who want to be adhoc staff.”
He advised Nigerians to stand firm after voting. “If there is a result sheet, we will queue up and when they finish counting, if you don’t upload it you are not going,” Amaechi added. He suggested that large-scale public pressure at INEC offices could deter rigging, referencing past incidents where crowds influenced outcomes.
The former governor recalled one election involving now-NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, noting that the sight of 500 people outside prompted officials to announce results, implying successful resistance to manipulation.
Amaechi’s comments come amid ongoing concerns about electoral integrity in Nigeria. Previous elections have seen allegations of result sheet irregularities, violence at polling units, and pressure on electoral officials.
INEC has faced criticism over the safety of its ad-hoc staff, who are often young Nigerians recruited temporarily for election duties.
His remarks highlight persistent challenges in Nigeria’s democratic process despite reforms aimed at improving transparency through technology and real-time result uploading.
Political analysts note that unit-level transparency remains crucial, as aggregation at higher levels can obscure discrepancies.
Amaechi called on parents to think carefully before allowing children to serve as ad-hoc staff, underscoring the human cost of electoral malpractices.
Also read: AA Condemns Attack on Presidential Candidate as Cowardly Assault on Democracy
His intervention reflects broader efforts by opposition figures to mobilise public awareness ahead of future polls.
