The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rivers State Chapter, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain the recent redeployment of electoral officers in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued Thursday, Publicity Secretary of the party, Chizi Enyi said seven Electoral Officers previously serving in Rivers had been redeployed to other states.
While acknowledging INEC’s authority to redeploy its personnel, the ADC said the process must be transparent and free from political influence.
The party alleged that some officers may have been removed because they were unwilling to compromise their professional independence.
It also raised allegations of political interference in subsequent postings, including the alleged involvement of an individual identified as Uju, who the party said was purportedly promised influence over electoral operations in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The ADC stressed that it was not presenting the allegations as facts but urged INEC to confirm or deny them.
It also expressed concern over the alleged compilation of names for sensitive ad-hoc electoral positions through channels linked to political interests.
The party called on INEC to disclose the criteria for recruiting and screening electoral personnel and measures to prevent partisan influence.
The ADC further urged INEC to investigate the allegations and reassure Rivers people that the 2027 elections would be administered impartially.
It said the election must be decided by accredited voters at polling units, rather than through political influence or manipulation of the electoral machinery.
