COCSOAC Urges Evidence-Based Scrutiny of INEC Redeployments

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption (COCSOAC) and more than 33 partner civil society organizations have warned against unverified allegations of ethnic favoritism and political interference related to staff redeployments at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement issued in Abuja, COCSOAC President Bola Ademola and National Secretary Comrade Abdulfatah Aliyu emphasized that the claims have not been independently verified and urged stakeholders to exercise restraint.

They noted an online publication alleging questionable redeployments, including the reassignment of a Northern director and the placement of South-West officials in key departments. COCSOAC stated that staff redeployment is a recognized administrative practice that can serve legitimate purposes.

They called for INEC to clarify the circumstances of the reported changes and stressed that allegations must be verified to maintain public confidence in electoral institutions.