Imo Civil Society Groups Challenge INEC Over Alleged REC Transfer Plan
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Imo State has formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding reports of a planned redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) from Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, to Imo State. The groups expressed strong opposition to this alleged move, warning that it could further erode public confidence in the state's electoral processes.
Coalition Demands Immediate Clarification and Reconsideration
The coalition, which includes the Democratic Rights and Liberties Organisation, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Imo Election Watch Coalition, and the Alaigbo Democracy Accountability Network, issued a joint statement on Friday, February 13. They called for immediate clarification from INEC headquarters and demanded that the commission reconsider the alleged redeployment plan if confirmed.
The statement was signed by Comrade Ikenna Samuel, Chairman of Democratic Rights and Liberties Organisation; Barr. Uche Mbalisi, Executive Director of Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness; Mrs. Amaka Ibe, Coordinator of Imo Election Watch Coalition; and Dr. Chidiebere Okafor, Convener of Alaigbo Democracy Accountability Network.
Primary Objection: Perceived Closeness to State Governor
At the core of the CSOs' objection is what they described as Dr. Chukwu's "perceived closeness" to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma. The coalition argued that redeploying an official under such circumstances risks creating unnecessary suspicion in 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 read. "Any administrative action that generates a perception of bias, particularly in a state with a history of contested mandates, must be avoided."
The groups emphasized that neutrality must not only be institutional but must also be visibly demonstrable to all stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
Reference to Past Electoral Controversies
The coalition also referenced Dr. Chukwu's temporary deployment to Imo State during the February 2022 Ngor Okpala State Constituency by-election, which attracted allegations of irregularities and complaints from various political actors. While acknowledging that no formal indictment followed the exercise, the CSOs maintained that the controversy surrounding that election remains 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," the statement added. "Electoral integrity must not only be upheld, but it must also be seen to be upheld."
Specific Demands and Warning of Civic Action
The coalition presented three specific demands to INEC:
- Immediate clarification from INEC headquarters regarding the reported transfer
- Retraction of the redeployment plan if confirmed
- Assurance that future postings into Imo State will prioritize demonstrable neutrality and public confidence
The CSOs further warned that any confirmed move to proceed with the redeployment 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," they stated. "The credibility of future elections in Imo State must not be compromised."
INEC's Silence and Broader Context
As of the time of reporting, INEC had not issued any official statement confirming or denying the alleged transfer plan. Analysts note that while redeployment of Resident Electoral Commissioners represents routine administrative procedure within the commission, such decisions often attract heightened scrutiny in politically charged states like Imo.
"This is not about personalities," the coalition's statement concluded. "It is about public trust. Without trust, democracy becomes a mere ritual. Imo cannot afford another erosion of confidence in its electoral process."
The controversy emerges against the backdrop of INEC's recent proposal of a N873.78 billion budget for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, with substantial allocations planned for election operations, technology upgrades, and capital expenditure.
