By Destiny Obinna
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has challenged the Ohanaeze Youth Forum to produce verifiable evidence for its allegations against Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner, Dr. Ken Nnamdi Ukeagu, warning against what it described as a possible political witch-hunt ahead of the 2027 general elections.
HURIWA, which condemned the demand for Ukeagu’s redeployment from the supervision of Imo, Anambra and Ebonyi states, described the campaign against the commissioner as a “myopic exercise in futility” allegedly fuelled by disgruntled political interests.
The group’s reaction followed allegations by the Ohanaeze Youth Forum (OYF) that Ukeagu had compromised his neutrality through purported partisan relationships with the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other opposition politicians in the South-East. OYF also accused the commissioner of leaking sensitive INEC documents and providing electoral consultancy to opposition candidates, demanding his immediate redeployment pending an investigation.
In a press statement issued Thursday, HURIWA said the allegations remained unproven and warned that an electoral official should not be subjected to public condemnation or pressure for redeployment before the claims against him had been independently established.
“The gentleman being dragged into this controversy is not known for holding any political ideology. HURIWA regards him as a competent and experienced electoral administrator whose professional record deserves fair assessment rather than trial by public accusation,” the association said.
The rights group maintained that Ukeagu’s professional experience and knowledge of election administration deserved fair consideration, adding that allegations of misconduct must be established through a transparent process rather than public campaigns.
It further alleged that political interests might be seeking to intimidate the commissioner, particularly if he had resisted attempts to compromise his official responsibilities.
However, HURIWA insisted that the allegations of political interference should also be subjected to scrutiny and supported by evidence.
The association called on those accusing Ukeagu of leaking confidential electoral documents or providing partisan consultancy to submit verifiable evidence to the appropriate authorities.
“HURIWA will not support attempts to intimidate public servants through unsubstantiated allegations. If the Ohanaeze Youth Forum has credible evidence of misconduct, it should submit the evidence to INEC for a transparent investigation instead of seeking to secure the commissioner’s redeployment through public pressure,” the association stated.
Group warns against political interference in INEC
HURIWA urged INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to resist pressure to take premature action against Ukeagu, insisting that any decision concerning the commissioner should be guided by evidence, due process and professional standards.
It warned that allowing pressure groups to determine the deployment of electoral officials without a thorough examination of their allegations could undermine institutional independence and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
The association said the credibility of the 2027 general elections would depend on a balance between accountability for proven misconduct and protection of electoral officials against politically motivated attacks.
While acknowledging that allegations of electoral malpractice must be taken seriously, HURIWA maintained that allegations alone should not be treated as proof of wrongdoing.
“HURIWA condemns every attempt to turn the 2027 electoral process into an instrument of political intimidation. Those making allegations must provide evidence, while INEC must protect its institutional independence and ensure that every complaint receives an impartial hearing,” the association added.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to electoral integrity, accountability and the protection of public institutions from undue political interference.
