The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned Nigerians, particularly residents of Sokoto State, against individuals allegedly demanding money in exchange for employment, appointments and election-related positions.
The warning followed reports of unscrupulous individuals circulating fake appointment and nomination letters purportedly issued by the electoral commission.
INEC, through its spokesman in Sokoto, Hassan Sarki-Gendane, said the fraudulent letters falsely claimed that their recipients had been appointed by the commission’s Chairman, Joash Amupitan.
According to the commission, some of the fake documents reportedly contain purported appointments to positions including State Coordinator of Local Government R-TECH, Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers.
INEC said it had dissociated itself from the individuals circulating the documents and urged members of the public not to fall victim to the scheme.
The commission specifically warned Nigerians against making payments to anyone presenting such letters or claiming to have the authority to secure appointments or election-related positions through INEC.
“The general public is hereby advised to exercise caution and not to engage with, or make any payments to, persons presenting such documents,” INEC said.
The commission stressed that it would not demand money from individuals in exchange for appointments or to conduct elections.
It therefore urged anyone who encounters individuals circulating fake INEC documents or soliciting money in the commission’s name to report them immediately to the nearest security agency or INEC office.
INEC also urged members of the public to rely exclusively on its official communication channels for information concerning recruitment, appointments, election activities and other engagements.
The latest warning comes amid a wider pattern of fraudulent online recruitment schemes falsely claiming to be connected to INEC.
Earlier in 2026, fact-checkers reported fake websites claiming that INEC was recruiting ad hoc staff for electoral activities. INEC subsequently disowned the platforms and advised Nigerians to rely on its verified channels for genuine recruitment information.
The commission has also previously warned about fraudulent social-media accounts impersonating its chairman and other officials, saying such platforms could be used to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
The warning comes as political and electoral activities increasingly gather momentum ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.
INEC's Sokoto office reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections and urged residents to remain vigilant against individuals attempting to exploit public interest in electoral opportunities for financial gain.
Members of the public are therefore advised to verify any purported INEC appointment, recruitment offer or election-related request through the commission's official channels before providing personal information or making any payment.
The commission's official records also list its Sokoto State headquarters and local government offices across the state, providing residents with channels through which they can verify information directly.
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