The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially addressed the calls for the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Imo State, Prof Sylvia Agu.
Despite the growing controversy surrounding her alleged partisanship, INEC has firmly stated that there are no immediate plans to remove her from her post.
The controversy surrounding Prof Sylvia Agu’s role as the Imo REC came to the forefront during a stakeholder meeting held in Owerri, the state capital. Several governorship candidates walked out of the meeting, citing concerns about her impartiality.
However, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu, during an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” said that there is currently no substantial evidence implicating Prof Agu or substantiating the allegations against her.
Oyekanmi stated, “The REC will conduct the election. We don’t have any reason to remove her from there, and we don’t have any evidence that implicates her or proves any allegation that is being alleged at this time.”
“The Commission takes its responsibility seriously, and we don’t joke with the conduct of elections, and when there are complaints against our officers, we also don’t joke with complaints, but you must provide evidence that our officers are culpable.”
He also highlighted INEC’s commitment to upholding its responsibilities with the utmost seriousness, ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. Oyekanmi assured political parties that INEC would remain impartial and dedicated to conducting a transparent electoral process.