The African Democratic Congress ADC, Rivers State, have raised the alarm over alleged attempt by some political juggernauts to influence the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ADC in a statement on Thursday, September 3, 2026, by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Chizy Enyi, demanded explanation from INEC on the alleged recent redeployment of seven electoral officers.
The party acknowledged INEC’s administrative authority to deploy and redeploy its personnel, but said such decisions must be transparent and capable of inspiring public confidence, particularly in a politically sensitive state like Rivers.
The party insisted that the 2027 election in the state must be decided at the polling units by accredited voters, not in political meetings, not through administrative manipulation, and certainly not through the alleged capture of the electoral machinery.
ADC demanded transparency, neutrality, accountability and a free, fair and credible 2027 election in the state.
The statement read, “The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rivers State chapter, wishes to draw the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the media, civil society organisations and the Nigerian public to disturbing information reaching us concerning recent changes in the deployment of Electoral Officers in Rivers State and alleged attempts by political interests to influence the electoral machinery ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Information available to the ADC indicates that seven Electoral Officers previously serving in Rivers State have been redeployed to other states. We have received further disturbing information suggesting that some of these officers were considered unacceptable to certain political interests because they were perceived as unwilling to compromise their professional independence or take instructions outside the lawful authority of INEC.
“Even more concerning are allegations reaching the party that certain subsequent postings and proposed redeployments may have been influenced by persons associated with a political grouping popularly referred to as the “Rainbow Coalition.”
“Specifically, information available to us alleges the involvement of one Uju, who is said to be playing a coordinating or supervisory role in this process and who, according to the information reaching us, has allegedly been promised influence or control over electoral operations in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. These are grave allegations.”
“We are asking INEC to confirm or deny them. INEC is the institution in possession of the facts, and Rivers people deserve clear answers. We therefore ask: Were seven Electoral Officers recently redeployed from Rivers State to other states?
“If so, who authorised the redeployments and what were the official reasons Where were the replacement Electoral Officers transferred from, and what criteria informed their posting to Rivers State? Did any political organisation, coalition, government official or politically exposed person make representations concerning the removal, retention or posting of any Electoral Officer in Rivers State?
“Does INEC have any knowledge of the alleged involvement of Uju in discussions, recommendations or arrangements concerning the deployment of electoral personnel, particularly in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area What safeguards has INEC put in place to ensure that its officers in Rivers State remain completely independent of political influence? These questions deserve straightforward answers.”
The party insisted that, “Electoral Officers are not the property of any political party, coalition, government official or powerful individual. They are officers of an independent electoral institution and must answer only to the Constitution, the law and the lawful authority of INEC.
“Our concern must also be understood against the backdrop of recent public political pronouncements concerning the 2027 elections in Rivers State.
“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has repeatedly spoken with extraordinary confidence about the political outcome expected in Rivers State in 2027.
“Every politician is entitled to express confidence in his political strength. But no politician, regardless of position or influence, should create the impression that the electoral outcome of an entire state has already been predetermined.
“Against that background, Rivers people are entitled to become concerned when changes involving sensitive electoral personnel occur without sufficient public explanation.
The question is simple:
If influential political actors speak as though the outcome of 2027 in Rivers State is already settled, should Rivers people remain silent when information subsequently emerges suggesting attempts to influence those who will administer the election?
“The ADC is equally concerned about information reaching us concerning the alleged collection and compilation of names of persons being considered for sensitive ad-hoc electoral responsibilities ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Of particular concern are allegations that names are being gathered or recommended through channels that may be connected to partisan political interests.
“Again, we are not declaring these allegations to be established facts. We are demanding transparency from INEC so that they do not become facts by default through official silence.”
