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Civil society groups in Imo State have formally objected to reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission plans to redeploy Enugu’s Resident Electoral Commissioner to their state, warning the move could erode trust in the electoral process.
Four organizations jointly called on INEC to clarify whether the transfer of Chukwuemeka Chukwu is under consideration and, if so, to reverse course. The groups issued their demand Friday through a statement raising concerns about what they characterized as the official’s perceived ties to Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The coalition—comprising the Democratic Rights and Liberties Organisation, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Imo Election Watch Coalition and Alaigbo Democracy Accountability Network—argued that deploying an official under such circumstances would fuel suspicion in what they described as a politically sensitive environment.
“Imo people deserve to have absolute confidence that every vote will count and that the electoral umpire will act independently, without fear or favour,” the statement said. “Any administrative action that generates perception of bias, particularly in a state with a history of contested mandates, must be avoided.”
The groups pointed to Chukwu’s temporary assignment to Imo during a February 2022 by-election in Ngor Okpala State Constituency, which they said drew allegations of irregularities and complaints from political actors.
“It is troubling that an official whose previous assignment in Imo generated widespread controversy would be considered for redeployment to the same state,” the coalition stated, adding that electoral integrity must not only be upheld but be seen to be upheld.
The organizations demanded INEC headquarters issue clarification on the reported transfer, retract the redeployment if confirmed, and provide assurances that future postings to Imo would prioritize neutrality and public confidence.
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“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 statement said.
INEC had not issued any official comment on the reported transfer as of Friday evening.
Resident Electoral Commissioners serve as INEC’s chief representatives in each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. They oversee election administration within their jurisdictions and report to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The commission periodically redeploys RECs and other senior officials as part of administrative rotations, though such moves sometimes draw scrutiny when they occur in states with contested political histories or approaching elections.
Imo has experienced significant electoral disputes in recent years. Uzodimma’s 2019 gubernatorial victory was initially contested before the Supreme Court declared him winner, overturning earlier tribunal decisions. The state has seen multiple legal challenges to election outcomes at various levels.
The civil society coalition’s statement did not specify what evidence supports their characterization of a relationship between Chukwu and Uzodimma or provide details about the nature of the alleged closeness.
Chukwu has served as Enugu REC since his appointment to that position. The statement did not indicate when the reported redeployment might take effect if INEC proceeds with such a move.
The 2022 Ngor Okpala by-election referenced in the petition was held to fill a state assembly vacancy. Political parties and observers raised various complaints about that contest, though INEC defended its conduct at the time.
INEC operates under legal mandates requiring independence from political influence and has faced recurring criticism from civil society and political parties over perceived bias in various states. The commission maintains that staff deployments follow established administrative procedures.
Nigeria’s next general elections are not scheduled until 2027, though off-cycle governorship elections and occasional by-elections occur between general election cycles. Imo’s next gubernatorial contest would take place in 2028 under the current calendar.
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The petition comes as civil society organizations have intensified scrutiny of electoral administration following controversies surrounding recent elections in multiple states. Groups have called for greater transparency in INEC’s internal processes, including staff appointments and transfers.
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has repeatedly emphasized the commission’s commitment to conducting free and fair elections and has defended its officials against what he has described as unfounded allegations meant to undermine public confidence.
Whether INEC will address the coalition’s specific concerns or proceed with any planned redeployment remains unclear. The commission typically does not comment publicly on personnel matters before official announcements.
The organizations that signed Friday’s statement represent a cross-section of civic groups active in election monitoring and governance advocacy in Imo and the broader Southeast region. They have previously issued statements on electoral matters and mobilized observers for past elections.
