Owerri, Imo State – In a fervent call for electoral integrity, leaders of the Labour Party (LP) gathered outside the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Owerri on Thursday. Their primary demand: the immediate redeployment of Sylvia Agu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Imo State.
The LP, expressing concerns about the upcoming governorship election scheduled for November 11, alleged that Commissioner Agu’s conduct had cast doubt on the credibility of the electoral process in the state.
Leading the protest, Callistus Ihejiagwa, the LP chairman in Imo State, emphasized the party’s unwavering commitment to a fair and credible election. He criticized INEC’s role in the state House of Assembly elections held in March, where 25 out of 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) saw All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates declared as winners.
Ihejiagwa stated unequivocally that the only way to ensure a credible governorship election on November 11 was to promptly reassign the REC in the state. He said, “What we are demanding is very simple: remove the REC and adhere to the electoral guidelines you have laid out. We are tired of politicians manipulating leadership positions through the backdoor. Enough is enough.”
Emphasizing their commitment to peaceful advocacy, Ihejiagwa reiterated the party’s resolve to continue seeking justice and fairness for the betterment of the state.
In response to the demonstration, Emmanuella Opara, Head of Voters Education at the INEC office in the state, commended the orderly conduct of the protesters. She assured the LP that the commission was fully prepared to conduct a peaceful and transparent election on November 11. Opara reaffirmed INEC’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, promising a level playing field for all participating political parties.