Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakoob, to take immediate and decisive steps to ensure a free and fair gubernatorial election in Imo State by redeploying the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, as well as the Electoral Officers in charge of the local governments.

In a statement entitled, “Urgent Petition to Ensure Free and Fair Gubernatorial Election in Imo State: Call to Action for President and INEC Chairman”, HURIWA said: “It is of utmost importance that all INEC officials in the state, particularly the Electoral Officers (EOs) and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), who are perceived to have compromised their neutrality, be removed to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.”

The statement, signed by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stressed that the impending gubernatorial election in Imo State was a matter of great significance for both the people of the State and the entire nation.

“The credibility of this election is directly tied to the impartiality of INEC and allegations of affiliations and connections with a particular candidate raise grave concerns about their ability to oversee the election without bias.

“We believe that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of any thriving democracy, and it is incumbent upon our President and the INEC Chairman to uphold these principles.

“As leaders who have benefited from previous administrations' commitment to free and fair elections, we urge them to reciprocate by ensuring transparency, fairness, and the removal of compromised officials to maintain the trust of the electorate and preserve our democratic values,” HURIWA stated.

“We kindly urge both His Excellency, President Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the INEC Chairman to treat this matter with the utmost urgency and prioritize the appointment of independent, unbiased, and impartial officials to oversee the gubernatorial election in Imo State.

“By taking these actions, they will not only guarantee the credibility of this election but also set an enduring example of statesmanship for all Nigerians to admire.

“Our democracy relies on the fair and just conduct of elections, and we trust that the President and the INEC Chairman will take the necessary steps to secure a free and fair poll in Imo State,” HURIWA added.