CSOs oppose alleged planned transfer of INEC Enugu REC to Imo
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Imo State has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission over reports of a proposed redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu State,
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Imo State has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission over reports of a proposed redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, to Imo 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 — said the reported move, if confirmed, could erode public confidence in the state’s electoral process.
In a statement jointly signed on Friday by Comrade Ikenna Samuel, Chairman of the Democratic Rights and Liberties Organisation; Barr. Uche Mbalisi, Executive Director of the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness; Mrs. Amaka Ibe, Coordinator of the Imo Election Watch Coalition; and Dr. Chidiebere Okafor, Convener of the Alaigbo Democracy Accountability Network, the groups called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to provide immediate clarification and reconsider the alleged redeployment.
The coalition expressed concern over what it described as the REC’s perceived closeness to the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma. It argued that any redeployment under such circumstances could generate avoidable suspicion in a politically sensitive environment.
“Imo people deserve full confidence that every vote will count and that the electoral body will act independently and impartially. Administrative decisions that create perceptions of bias, particularly in a state with a history of disputed mandates, should be carefully reviewed,” the statement said.
The groups emphasised that neutrality must not only exist institutionally but must also be demonstrable to all stakeholders.
The coalition maintained that the controversy surrounding the election remains part of the 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, 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; assurance 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.
For the coalition, however, the issue extends beyond routine postings.
“This is not about personalities,” the 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.”