The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed claims that corps members are being paid ₦50,000 to influence the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
The scheme said it has no connection with any arrangement aimed at compromising the electoral process and reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality ahead of the election.
Politics Nigeria reports that the clarification was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the NYSC in Osun State.
The statement was signed by the scheme’s Public Relations Officer, Catherine Otemuyiwa, on behalf of the State Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Ita Kubiangha.
The reaction followed an online publication which alleged that corps members had been promised ₦50,000 to influence the outcome of the governorship poll.
Rejecting the report, the NYSC said the claim lacked any factual basis and should be disregarded by members of the public.
According to the statement, “the allegation is false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis.”
The scheme stressed that it had never authorised or participated in any activity designed to manipulate an election.
“At no time did the Scheme authorise, coordinate, supervise, or have knowledge of any such payment for political or unlawful purposes,” the statement added.
The NYSC noted that it remains a non-partisan institution established to promote national unity and service to the country.
It stated that corps members deployed for election duties are always reminded of their responsibilities and the need to remain neutral throughout the electoral process.
The agency further explained that corps members serving as ad hoc election officials are expected to comply strictly with the Electoral Act, INEC guidelines and the NYSC code of conduct.
It also revealed that the Osun State Coordinator has continued to engage corps members on the importance of professionalism and neutrality before the election.
“The Osun State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, has also been sensitising Corps Members to remain neutral, reject inducements, safeguard electoral materials, and discharge their duties in accordance with the Electoral Act and INEC regulations.”
The scheme assured residents of Osun State that adequate measures were being taken to protect corps members assigned to election duties.
According to the statement, the NYSC is working with relevant security agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of personnel before, during and after the election.
“The Scheme is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of Corps Members before, during, and after the election.”
The organisation also urged media platforms and members of the public to verify sensitive information before sharing or publishing such reports.
It warned that false reports capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process should be avoided.
The NYSC maintained that its role in elections is limited to providing manpower support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and that it has no political interest in any candidate or political party.
With preparations for the Osun governorship election gathering momentum, the scheme reiterated its commitment to transparency, professionalism and credible electoral processes.
In a related development, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke in June called on residents to ignore what he described as rumours and attempts to create fear ahead of the governorship election.
The governor expressed confidence in the electoral process and urged voters not to be intimidated by speculations surrounding the poll.
Speaking during a political gathering in Osogbo, Adeleke declared that his supporters remained focused on the election and would continue to mobilise peacefully across the state.
According to him, “we shall win convincingly and we shall be declared winner with wide margins.”
The governor said voters in the state were determined to exercise their democratic rights and insisted that the will of the people must prevail.
He also addressed concerns about possible interference in the election, assuring residents that democratic institutions would perform their responsibilities.
“No one, I repeat, no one can deny Osun people their legitimate rights to choose their leaders,” Adeleke said.
The governor further urged residents not to be distracted by what he called scare tactics and threats allegedly being circulated in some quarters.
“We will resist any move or ploy to tamper with the electoral process. We are closely monitoring all pre-election activities while watching machinery has been set for both election and post-election period. We are not taking anything to chance,” he stated.
