Imo APC Accused of Sponsoring REC, 27 Electoral Officers on Jerusalem Pilgrimage – ADC Demands Probe

The Imo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an urgent investigation after alleging that the state government sponsored the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and 27 Local Government electoral officers on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

The party raised the alarm in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Chief Macdonald Amadi, describing the alleged sponsorship as a dangerous breach of the independence of the electoral body.

ADC argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was established to uphold the constitution and ensure free and fair elections, not to become beholden to political interests. The party said the reported pilgrimage, if confirmed, would undermine the credibility of the electoral commission and damage public trust.

“This singular act amounts to a vote of no confidence passed by the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission on its own,” the party said, warning that democracy could be eroded not only through coups but also through “compromises” and “silence”.

ADC also urged security agencies, human rights groups, civil society organisations, and the international community to investigate the matter and protect the neutrality of Nigeria’s electoral institutions.

The party further warned that any future electoral irregularities in Imo State should not be separated from the alleged pilgrimage sponsorship, stating that “if anything happens to democracy in Imo State, INEC must not pretend to be innocent.”

Attempts to reach the Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to him went unanswered.

The ADC’s statement comes amid heightened political tensions in the state, where allegations of electoral manipulation and undue influence over election officials have long fuelled public concern.

Facebook Post (link in comments)
The ADC in Imo State is demanding an investigation after alleging that the state government sponsored the REC and 27 electoral officers on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The party says this could undermine the independence of INEC.
#ImoState #INEC #ElectoralIntegrity #NigeriaPolitics #DemocracyWatch
(Link in comments)

LinkedIn Post (link in comments)
Imo State’s ADC has accused the government of sponsoring the REC and 27 electoral officers on a pilgrimage, calling it a threat to the independence of INEC and demanding an investigation by security and human rights bodies.
#NigeriaPolitics #ElectoralIntegrity #ImoState #INEC #Governance
(Link in comments)

X (Twitter) Post – short version (with link)
ADC demands probe after alleging Imo government sponsored REC and 27 electoral officers on Jerusalem pilgrimage. Party warns it threatens INEC’s neutrality.
#ImoState #INEC #NigeriaPolitics #ElectionIntegrity
[Link]

Threads Post – short version (with link)
ADC calls for investigation after alleging Imo State sponsored the REC and 27 electoral officers on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, warning it could compromise INEC’s independence.
#ImoState #NigeriaNews #INEC #Democracy
[Link]

Tags
Imo pilgrimage controversy, REC Jerusalem trip, Imo electoral officers, INEC independence, Imo State politics, ADC demands investigation, election integrity Nigeria, Nigeria democracy, Imo State government, electoral commission scandal,