9 hours ago
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Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, in Imo State have rejected the alleged planned redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Enugu State, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, to Imo State, insisting the planned move is due to his close ties and relationship with Governor Hope Uzodinma.
The CSO coalition formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, warning that the REC’s alleged ties to the Imo Governor could further weaken public confidence in the electoral process in the state.
The coalition, comprising the Democratic Rights and Liberties Organisation, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Imo Election Watch Coalition and the Alaigbo Democracy Accountability Network, called for immediate clarification from INEC and demanded that the Commission reconsider the alleged plan.
The call was made in a statement jointly signed by Comrade Ikenna Samuel, Chairman, Democratic Rights and Liberties Organisation; Barr Uche Mbalisi, Executive Director, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Mrs Amaka Ibe, Coordinator, Imo Election Watch Coalition and Dr Chidiebere Okafor, Convener, Alaigbo Democracy Accountability Network.
While alleging the REC’s perceived closeness to Governor Uzodimma, the coalition noted that redeploying an official under such circumstances risks creating avoidable suspicion in a politically sensitive environment.
The statement read in part: “Imo people deserve to have absolute confidence that every vote will count and that the electoral umpire will act independently, without fear or favour. Any administrative action that generates a perception of bias, particularly in a state with a history of contested mandates, must be avoided.”
Warning that neutrality must not only be institutional but must also be visibly demonstrable to all stakeholders, the coalition referenced Dr Chukwu’s temporary deployment to Imo during the February 2022 Ngor Okpala State Constituency by-election, which attracted allegations of irregularities and complaints from political actors.
The coalition noted that although no formal indictment followed the exercise, it argued that the controversy surrounding the election remained a matter of public record.
“It is troubling that an official whose previous assignment in Imo generated widespread controversy would be considered for redeployment to the same state. Electoral integrity must not only be upheld, but it must be seen to be upheld,” the statement added.
The coalition demanded immediate clarification from INEC headquarters regarding the reported transfer; retraction of the redeployment plan if confirmed and assurances that postings into Imo State will prioritise demonstrable neutrality and public confidence.
They further warned that any confirmed move would be challenged through lawful and peaceful civic engagement.
“We will mobilise all democratic and civic platforms available to ensure that no action capable of undermining the sanctity of the ballot is allowed to stand. The credibility of future elections in Imo State must not be compromised,” the CSOs stated.
As of press time, INEC had not issued an official statement confirming or denying the alleged transfer.
The statement concluded, “ This is not about the personalities involved; it is about public trust. Without trust, democracy becomes a mere ritual. Imo cannot afford another erosion of confidence in its electoral process.”
2027: CSOs in Imo reject alleged move to impose Gov. Uzodinma’s ally as REC
