2027: Imo opposition parties petition EFCC, ICPC, DSS, police over alleged plot to compromise election

The Coalition of Major Opposition Political Parties in Imo State has formally taken its allegations of a plot to compromise the 2027 general elections in the state to the desks of Nigeria’s top anti-corruption and security chiefs.
In a detailed petition dated November 6, 2026, the coalition asked the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to order an independent investigation into a series of developments in the Commission’s Imo office. Stamped copies show the petition was received on November 9, 2026 at the Office of the INEC Chairman, the Office of the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Copies were also sent to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu; the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS); the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Imo State; INEC’s National Commissioners; and domestic and international election-monitoring organisations.
The move signals that the matter will no longer end at the level of press conferences. With the EFCC, ICPC, DSS and the Police now formally seized of the allegations, any official, politician or agent who has offered, accepted or facilitated an inducement, or interfered with electoral personnel, technology or materials in Imo State, now faces the prospect of criminal investigation.
The coalition specifically demanded that the EFCC and ICPC investigate any credible evidence of financial inducement, abuse of office or political interference in the administration of elections in the state. It further insisted that where evidence establishes an attempt to compromise electoral personnel, the appropriate legal and disciplinary procedures must be activated against all persons found culpable, whatever their political standing or office.
The allegations under investigation
The petition asks the agencies and INEC to look into:
• The simultaneous redeployment of all 27 Electoral Officers across Imo’s 27 Local Government Areas, and the reasons behind it.
• Alleged partisan influence in personnel changes, including in INEC’s Information Technology Department in Imo, and the professional relationships of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Chukwuemeka Ibeziako.
• Reports of plans that BVAS devices in certain polling units would fail to transmit results to IREV, with result sheets moved to designated centres before upload.
• The alleged disappearance or inaccessibility of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), with a demand for an independent audit across all 27 LGAs.
• Alleged political interference in the recruitment of ad-hoc staff, including presiding, collation and returning officers.
• An allegation circulating in political circles that US$20,000 was offered to each of the 27 newly redeployed Electoral Officers to favour the All Progressives Congress (APC).
• The timing of a campaign by the Pan-Igbo Youth Assembly for the removal of INEC National Commissioner, Mr. Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu.
The coalition stressed that it is not presenting the allegations as established facts, but said their gravity makes it inappropriate to dismiss them without investigation. It added that it is ready to hand over information in its possession to assist any lawful investigation, and urged anyone with credible evidence to come forward to the authorities.
The coalition also called on the ruling APC in Imo State to publicly reaffirm its commitment to the independence of INEC.
In its conclusion, the petition reminded the INEC Chairman that public confidence is not sustained by assurances alone, but by demonstrable transparency, accountability and strict adherence to the law.
[Optional: insert a short on-record quote from the coalition spokesperson here.] The petition was signed by Chief MacDonald Amadi, KSM (ADC); Barr. Chuks Agbugba (LP); Amb. Steve Nnadi (APP); Comrade Lancelot Obiaku (PDP); Hon. Benneth Obiakor (YPP); Comrade Uchechukwu Ayozie (NDC); and other participating publicity secretaries of opposition parties in Imo State.
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