CSOs Slam Governor Hope Uzodinma Over Alleged Smear Campaign Against INEC Chairman, Dr. Chima Amadi

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) under the banner of the Transparency and Accountability Rights Initiative has demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State over what it described as a “malicious smear campaign” against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and governance advocate, Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi.

The coalition, speaking through a statement issued on Friday, condemned a September 4 press conference by the Greater Imo Initiative (GII), which it alleged acted at the governor’s behest. The CSOs accused Uzodinma of using the group as a “proxy attack dog” to spread unfounded claims that Prof. Yakubu and Dr. Amadi were conspiring to compromise the 2027 elections.

‘An assault on democracy’

The coalition described the allegations as defamatory, dangerous, and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

“By falsely alleging that Prof. Yakubu has an alliance with Dr. Amadi to compromise the 2027 elections, Uzodinma has maligned a man of proven integrity and assaulted the very foundation of our democracy,” the CSOs stated.

They stressed that Prof. Yakubu remained a beacon of electoral professionalism, while Dr. Amadi was a respected development scholar and patriot with no record of wrongdoing.

CSOs issue 7-day ultimatum

The coalition demanded that Governor Uzodinma:

• Retract the “false and defamatory” statements against Prof. Yakubu and Dr. Amadi.
• Issue a public apology within seven days, published in three national dailies and broadcast on major television networks.
• End what it described as “diversionary antics and proxy propaganda,” and instead focus on tackling insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Imo State.

Failure to meet these demands, the CSOs warned, could lead to legal action against the governor for defamation, false accusations, and endangerment of lives.

‘Governance, not propaganda’

The statement further accused Uzodinma of attempting to silence dissent and distract from his “abysmal record in office.”

“Instead of silencing opposition voices, he should address the insecurity ravaging Imo, the unemployment and poverty strangling the citizens,” the coalition said.

Reaffirming their support for Prof. Yakubu and Dr. Amadi, the CSOs urged Nigerians to reject what they called “desperate diversionary tactics by a government terrified of accountability.”

“Truth will prevail. Democracy will endure. And no governor, however desperate, will be allowed to hold Imo State hostage to lies,” the statement concluded.