ADC Raises Alarm Over Redeployment Of Electoral Officers, Alleged Political Interference In Rivers

By Ken Asinobi 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 amid allegations of political interference ahead of the 2027 general elections. The demand was contained in a statement read by the party's Rivers State Publicity Secretary, Chizy Enyi, Esq., on Thursday, September 3, 2026. While acknowledging INEC's authority to deploy and redeploy personnel, the ADC said such decisions must be transparent and capable of inspiring public confidence. The party alleged that seven Electoral Officers previously serving in Rivers had been redeployed to other states and raised concerns over claims that some officers were considered unacceptable to certain political interests because of their perceived unwillingness to compromise their independence. It also cited allegations concerning an individual identified as Uju and alleged arrangements relating to electoral operations in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, stressing that it was not presenting the claims as established facts. The ADC urged INEC to confirm or deny the allegations, disclose who authorised the redeployments and the official reasons for them, and clarify whether any political organisation, coalition, government official or politically exposed person had influenced the deployment of electoral personnel. The party also raised concerns over alleged secret compilation of names for sensitive ad-hoc electoral positions and demanded transparent recruitment, screening and deployment procedures that would prevent partisan interests from influencing the process. Referencing recent political pronouncements concerning the 2027 elections in Rivers, including comments attributed to FCT Minister and immediate past Governor Nyesom Wike, the ADC insisted that elections must be determined by voters, not political connections or control of electoral personnel. It called on INEC to investigate the allegations, guarantee the neutrality of its officials and reassure Rivers residents that the 2027 election would be free, fair, credible and transparent.