The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to account for the recent transfer of seven Electoral Officers out of the state, expressing concern that political interests could be attempting to exert influence over the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Chizy Enyi, the party acknowledged that INEC has the statutory authority to deploy and redeploy its officials. However, it argued that the exercise should be carried out openly and independently, particularly given the political sensitivities surrounding Rivers State.
The party said information available to it indicated that some of the affected officials may have become targets of certain political interests because of their alleged refusal to abandon professional standards or act on directives that fell outside INEC’s lawful mandate.
It further claimed that individuals linked to the political group popularly known as the “Rainbow Coalition” might have played a role in some of the subsequent postings and proposed changes involving electoral personnel.
The ADC, however, clarified that it was not declaring the allegations to be established facts, but was asking the electoral commission to investigate the matter and provide the public with explanations.
“INEC is the institution in possession of the facts, and Rivers people deserve clear answers,” the statement read.
Among the issues the party wants INEC to address is whether seven Electoral Officers were actually removed from their positions in Rivers State. It also wants the commission to identify the authority behind the decision, state the reasons for the redeployment and explain how the officials appointed to replace them were selected.
The party further wants INEC to state whether it received requests or representations from any political party, coalition, public office holder or politically exposed individual regarding the deployment or withdrawal of electoral officials, particularly those serving in Obio/Akpor.
According to the ADC, developments in the electoral administration have become more concerning in light of political comments about the 2027 elections in Rivers State. It specifically referred to statements by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, expressing confidence about the anticipated outcome of the election.
The party said the combination of such political declarations and changes in the deployment of electoral officials without sufficient public explanation could create doubts about the credibility of the electoral process.
“Elections are not won by proclamation,” it added.
The ADC also drew attention to reports concerning the alleged preparation of a list of individuals who may be considered for sensitive ad-hoc electoral assignments ahead of the 2027 elections. It urged INEC to make public the procedures it intends to use to identify, vet and appoint such personnel.
It called for stronger measures to ensure that individuals with political affiliations or partisan interests are not placed in positions capable of influencing the conduct of the election. The party also proposed a formal channel through which political parties and other stakeholders could submit evidence-based complaints over the impartiality of electoral officials.
The ADC urged the INEC Chairman, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Rivers State and the relevant National Commissioners to examine the allegations and provide explanations for the redeployments. It also asked the commission to reassure residents that political actors would not be permitted to influence the conduct or administration of the 2027 elections.
Beyond INEC, the party appealed to civil society organisations, journalists, professional associations, religious bodies, election observers and other democratic stakeholders to pay close attention to preparations for the forthcoming poll.
The ADC said potential problems surrounding the electoral process should be identified and addressed well before voting takes place, rather than allowing such concerns to persist until after the results have been announced.
It maintained that the authority to determine who governs Rivers State belongs to the electorate and should be exercised through a transparent, credible, free and fair electoral process.
