EXCLUSIVE: Full List Of REC, HODs, 27 Electoral Officers Sponsored By Imo Gov Uzodimma On Jerusalem Pilgrimage

According to the insider, the pilgrimage delegation is led by the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Sylvia Agu.

SaharaReporters has exclusively obtained details showing that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State sponsored a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for top officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Imo State, including the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), three Heads of Department, and 27 Electoral Officers drawn from across the state.

Sources familiar with the development told SaharaReporters that the INEC Imo State management team and selected staff would depart for Jerusalem on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, under a sponsorship arrangement facilitated by the Imo State Governor.

According to the insider, the pilgrimage delegation is led by the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Sylvia Agu.

She is accompanied by senior officials of the commission, including Esther Okorie, Head of Department (Operations); Barrister Onyinye Nwankwo, Acting Head of Department (Legal); and Agnes Elukpo, Acting Head of Department (ICT).

The sponsorship of electoral officials by a sitting governor has raised serious concerns among the staff, who argue that such gestures could compromise the perceived independence and neutrality of INEC, especially in a politically sensitive state like Imo.

INEC, by law, is expected to operate independently of executive influence.

Meanwhile, accepting sponsorships, gifts, or benefits from elected officials, particularly governors who are major political stakeholders, could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

Beyond the REC and departmental heads, SaharaReporters can also reveal the names of the 27 Electoral Officers included in the Jerusalem pilgrimage.

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 source within INEC told SaharaReporters that the trip could deepen mistrust among voters, especially ahead of future elections in the state. Imo State has witnessed intense electoral disputes in recent years, making the neutrality of electoral umpires a critical issue.

According to the sources, the delegation is set to gather at the Government House Chapel by noon on Tuesday, where prayers and formal send-off activities will be held before their departure.

"The Rec, 7 Heads of Department, 27 Electoral Officers will leave Imo State for Jerusalem tomorrow by 10pm for pilgrimage, sponsored by Hope Uzodimma," a source told SaharaReporters on Monday.

Following the gathering at the chapel, the 27 Electoral Officers will proceed to the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, at approximately 3 pm.

The group is then scheduled to depart for Jerusalem at 10 pm the same day, marking the start of their sacred journey.