Prof Amupitan, INEC chair
By Amah
Kindly share:
A coalition of civil society organisations in Imo State has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a troubling move to redeploy the current Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, to Imo ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The groups argue that such a transfer, if confirmed, could undermine public trust in the electoral process due to what they allege are close ties between the REC and Governor Hope Uzodinma.
In a formal petition addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the coalition urged the electoral umpire to clarify the situation and reconsider any plan that could cast doubt on the neutrality of the Commission in the state.
The civil society bloc comprises the Democratic Rights and Liberties Organisation, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Imo Election Watch Coalition, and the Alaigbo Democracy Accountability Network.
In a joint statement signed by Comrade Ikenna Samuel, Barr. Uche Mbalisi, Mrs. Amaka Ibe, and Dr. Chidiebere Okafor, the coalition warned that redeploying an electoral official perceived to have political proximity to the state governor would generate “avoidable suspicion” in an already delicate political climate.
According to the statement, Imo residents deserve an electoral process that not only operates independently but is visibly seen to be independent.
“Imo people deserve to have absolute confidence that every vote will count and that the electoral umpire will act without fear or favour. In a state with a history of fiercely contested mandates, any administrative action capable of generating a perception of bias must be carefully scrutinised.”
The coalition also referenced Dr. Chukwu’s previous temporary assignment to Imo during the February 2022 Ngor Okpala State Constituency by-election. That exercise, they noted, attracted allegations of irregularities from political stakeholders, although no formal indictment was issued afterward.
While acknowledging that no official wrongdoing was established, the CSOs insisted that public perception remains a critical component of electoral credibility.
“It is troubling,” the statement read, “that an official whose earlier assignment in Imo generated controversy would be considered for redeployment to the same state. Electoral integrity must not only be upheld, but must also be seen to be upheld.”
The coalition outlined three key demands:
Immediate clarification from INEC headquarters on whether the redeployment plan exists.
Retraction of the transfer if confirmed.
Assurance that any posting to Imo State will prioritise demonstrable neutrality and broad-based public confidence.
They further warned that any confirmed move would be met with lawful civic resistance, including mobilisation across democratic platforms to safeguard what they described as the sanctity of the ballot.
“We will utilise all peaceful and lawful means available to ensure that no action capable of undermining electoral credibility in Imo State is allowed to stand.”
Though INEC is yet to release an official statement confirming or denying the reported redeployment, the CSOs concluded by framing their intervention as a defence of democratic trust rather than a personal attack.
“This is not about individuals,” the coalition stated. “It is about public confidence. Once trust erodes, democracy becomes a ritual without substance. Imo cannot afford another blow to its electoral credibility.”
