A coalition of civil society organisations in Imo State has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over reports of a planned redeployment of the Enugu Resident Electoral Commissioner, Chukwuemeka Chukwu, to the state.

The coalition said the reported transfer of the REC from Enugu State, if confirmed, could further weaken public confidence in the electoral process in Imo.

In a joint statement issued on Friday, the groups — Democratic Rights and Liberties Organisation, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Imo Election Watch Coalition and Alaigbo Democracy Accountability Network — called for immediate clarification from INEC and demanded that the Commission reconsider the alleged plan.

At the centre of their objection is what the coalition described as the REC’s “perceived closeness” to the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma.

According to the statement, redeploying an official under such circumstances could create avoidable suspicion in what it described as 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 coalition said.

“Any administrative action that generates perception of bias, particularly in a state with a history of contested mandates, must be avoided.”

The groups also recalled Dr. Chukwu’s temporary deployment to Imo during the February 2022 by-election in Ngor Okpala State Constituency, which they said attracted allegations of irregularities and complaints from political actors.

“It is troubling that an official whose previous assignment in Imo generated widespread controversy would be considered for redeployment to the same state,” the coalition said, adding that “electoral integrity must not only be upheld, it must be seen to be upheld.”

The CSOs demanded clarification from INEC headquarters, retraction of the redeployment if confirmed and assurances that future postings to Imo would prioritise neutrality and public confidence.

“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 statement added.

As of press time, INEC had not issued any official statement on the reported transfer.