MIXED REACTIONS TRAIL ALLEGED SPONSORSHIP OF 27 ELECTORAL OFFICERS TO PILGRIMAGE.
A trending report that the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, sponsored 27 electoral officers in the state on pilgrimage to Jerusalem has elicited mixed reactions among Imo people who see the gesture as a way of watering the ground ahead of the 2027 election. Information available to our news desk indicate that most of those he sponsored are officers of the independent (INEC) National Electoral Commission , including the Resident Electoral Commission (REC) Prof Sylvia Agu, who led the delegation, three Heads of Department and 2027 electoral officers from across the state.
Reliable sources who spoke anonymously on the development said, the management team of INEC, the state REC and other selected staff departed for Jerusalem on Tuesday January 20, 2026. Their departure is said to be based on a sponsorship arrangement facilitated by Governor Uzodinma.
According to the source, Prof Agu, who led the delegation was accompanied by top officers of the commission including Esther Okorie, (Head of Department Operations), Barr Onyinye Nwachukwu(Head of Department Legal) and Agnes Otukpo, Head of Department (ICT).
The alleged sponsorship of electoral officers by an incumbent governor few months to the next election cycle has not only raised concerns in different quarters but also sent ominous signals that have been given different interpretations by concerned Imolites..
Some of those who condemned the gesture said, “INEC by law, is expected to operate independently without executive influence hence, accepting sponsorship, gifts or benefits from elected officers particularly governors who are major stakeholders can undermine public confidence in the electoral process that already has credibility issues. It was also gathered that aside from the REC and departmental heads, others who the governor sponsored on pilgrimage to Jerusalem are from, Aboh Mbaise Ukelegharanya Edna, Ahiazu Mbaise: Uche Asagwara, Obowo: Ugo Blessing, Oru East: Obetta Chinyere, Ihitte Uboma: Anioma Honour, Onuimo: Ohabuiro Henry, Isiala Mbano: Nweze Elizabeth, Ideato South: Wendy Preye Ahumibe, Ngor Okpala: Ogbuishi Robinson, Owerri North: Kene Ezeabasili.
Other Electoral Officers on the list include:
Ohaji/Egbema: Nwosu Ikenna Noel, Nkwerre: Ifeoma Okoli, Ehime Mbano: Ogbuehi Gloria, Ikeduru: Nkemakolam Nwankwo, Oguta: Obiechehie Ozioma, Orsu: Mbah Chinyere Gift, Owerri Municipal: Uzo Chikwendu, Orlu: Godfrey Okocha, Mbaitoli: Ikembuchukwu Omeje, Oru West: Anah-Kelechi Theresa, Ideato North: Onwuasoanya Anthony, Nwangele: Adonu Stella Apeh, Ezinihitte Mbaise: Mbamalu Fortune, Owerri West: Ijeoma Nlewedim, Isu: Nwazunku Jonas, Njaba: Ifeanyi Nnaji, Okigwe: Ifeanyi Nwakpa
A cross section of Imo people who expressed dismay over the development which they described as worrisome said, it can deepen mistrust among voters, in the state, as there have been intense electoral disputes before now. According to some reliable sources, the delegation is set to gathered at the Government House Chapel by noon on Tuesday, where prayers and formal send-off activities were held before their departure.
“The REC, 7 Heads of Department, 27 Electoral Officers left Imo State for Jerusalem yesterday, by 10pm for pilgrimage, sponsored by Hope Uzodimma,” a source told newsmen yesterday.
“Following the gathering at the chapel, the 27 Electoral Officers proceeded to the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, at approximately 3 pm.
The group reportedly departed for Jerusalem at 10 pm the same day, marking the start of their sacred journey”.
