A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abia State, Chief Omego Mkpabarauyo, has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate alleged secret meetings between some officials of the commission and prominent members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general election.

Mkpabarauyo, in a statement made available to journalists, also urged security agencies to investigate the alleged meetings, which he claimed took place in Abuja and Abia State.

He alleged that some INEC officials had entered into what he described as an “unholy alliance” with APC figures and were divulging sensitive electoral information and materials to members of the ruling party, potentially giving them an unfair advantage over their political opponents.

According to him, the ADC in Abia State had received what he described as credible intelligence about a series of meetings involving some INEC personnel, high-ranking members of the National Assembly and APC candidates.

However, the statement did not identify the officials or politicians allegedly involved, specify the electoral information purportedly disclosed or provide details of the evidence supporting the allegations.

Mkpabarauyo urged the INEC Chairman to call officials at the commission’s national and Abia State offices to order and ensure strict adherence to the rules governing their conduct.

He said an immediate investigation was necessary to establish the veracity of the allegations and determine whether any electoral official had acted in a manner capable of compromising the commission’s impartiality.

“We are calling on the INEC Chairman to call his staff to order before their actions create unnecessary tension and an avoidable electoral crisis in Abia State,” he said.

The ADC chieftain also called on relevant security agencies to conduct an independent investigation into the alleged meetings and establish whether any INEC official had engaged in conduct capable of undermining the credibility, transparency and integrity of the 2027 elections.

He warned that any compromise of electoral neutrality could erode public confidence in INEC and undermine the credibility of the forthcoming elections.

Mkpabarauyo stressed that electoral officials must remain impartial and treat all political parties equally, irrespective of their political affiliations or positions in government.

He added that the ADC and other stakeholders in Abia State would remain vigilant throughout the electoral process, insisting that the people of the state would not accept any attempt to manipulate their votes.

According to him, Abians would continue to monitor developments surrounding the elections and report any suspected attempt to compromise the process to the appropriate authorities.

He urged INEC to take the allegations seriously and initiate any necessary internal investigation, arguing that early intervention would help address concerns, prevent an escalation of political tensions and strengthen public confidence in the commission.

Mkpabarauyo also appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to respect the electoral process and allow the electorate to determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections. (THISDAY)