In a bid to avert a potential crisis in the upcoming Imo State election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to reassign the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Sylvia Agu.
The PDP has raised concerns about Agu’s alleged compromise and manipulation of the November 11 governorship elections in Imo State in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The party has cited persistent outcry, petitions, and protests from the people of Imo State, political parties, and civil society organizations as grounds for the removal of Agu.
Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, issued a statement on Monday, urging the INEC Chairman to take inspiration from the Inspector General of Police’s decision to redeploy Commissioners of Police in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States in response to similar demands.
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“Prof. Yakubu should take heed of the insistent outcry, petitions, and protests by the people of Imo State, political parties, civil society organizations, as well as Ohaneze Youth Council, and remove Prof. Sylvia Agu, who has allegedly been compromised by the APC,” the statement read.
The PDP emphasized that the people of Imo State cannot accept any electoral process with Prof. Agu as the REC, given her reported involvement in the manipulation of the 2023 National and House of Assembly elections in Imo State, which allegedly favored the APC.
To restore confidence in the electoral process and guarantee a credible election, the PDP believes that the redeployment of Sylvia Agu out of Imo State is the only viable solution. The party has also highlighted disturbing allegations of clandestine meetings between Prof. Agu and certain APC agents, allegedly facilitated by her close relative, who happens to be an APC national officer, ahead of the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Imo State.
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The PDP has stressed the importance of the INEC Chairman recognizing that the integrity of an election lies primarily in the confidence of the electorate in the electoral process.
By urging the removal of Prof. Sylvia Agu, the PDP aims to prevent any potential crisis that may arise from doubts about the fairness and transparency of the Imo State election. The party believes that the redeployment of the REC will restore faith in the electoral process, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates and parties involved.
It is worth noting that the outcry against Agu’s alleged compromise is not limited to the PDP alone. Various stakeholders, including the people of Imo State, political parties, and civil society organizations, have voiced their concerns and demanded her removal.
The PDP’s call for action is backed by the Inspector General of Police’s recent decision to redeploy Commissioners of Police in states where similar concerns were raised. This move demonstrates the significance of addressing public concerns to maintain peace and credibility in the electoral process.
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As the November 11 governorship election in Imo State approaches, it is crucial for INEC to prioritize the interests of the electorate and ensure a level playing field for all candidates. By heeding the calls for the removal of Prof. Sylvia Agu, INEC can uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and credibility that are essential for a successful democratic process.
In conclusion, the PDP’s demand for the removal of the Imo State REC, Prof. Sylvia Agu, is driven by concerns about her alleged compromise and manipulation of the upcoming governorship election in favor of the APC. By addressing these concerns and reassigning Agu, INEC can restore confidence in the electoral process, prevent potential crisis, and ensure a credible and fair election in Imo State.
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