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The Transparency and Accountability Rights Initiative, a coalition of Nigerian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has condemned the Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, accusing him of carrying out a malicious smear campaign against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu and development advocate Dr. Chima Amadi.
During a press briefing in Owerri, the coalition called the campaign a “dangerous and shameful display” designed to distract the public from the governor’s performance in office.
The CSOs said the Greater Imo Initiative (GII) is the group that made the allegations on September 4, 2025 for Governor Uzodimma, describing the group as the Governor’s “mouthpiece and attack dog.”
The CSOs said, “Every word spoken against INEC was spoken on his behalf,” said Dr. Agbo Frederick, speaking for the coalition.
“By falsely alleging that Professor Yakubu has an alliance with Dr. Amadi to compromise the 2027 elections, Uzodimma has not only maligned a man of proven integrity but also assaulted the very foundation of our democracy.”
The coalition added that Professor Yakubu is an embodiment of electoral professionalism and called the attempt to soil his reputation defamatory and a national security risk.
Also, the CSOs defended Dr. Amadi, a respected development scholar, pointing out that the governor’s accusations are laughable, desperate, and dangerous.
According to the CSOs, the motive behind the campaign is an attempt to silence the dissent, intimidate the opposition, and divert attention from the governor’s abysmal record in office.
The coalition issued four key demands to Governor Uzodimma: An immediate retraction of the false and defamatory allegations against Professor Mahmood Yakubu and Dr. Chima Amadi.
They also demanded a public apology to both men within seven days published in at least three national newspapers and broadcast on major television networks, an end to diversionary tactics and proxy propaganda, a renewed focus on governance, including addressing insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Imo State.
Also, the CSOs warned that failure to comply would force them to review their position with a view to seeking legal redress from Governor Uzodimma for defamation, false accusation, and reckless endangerment of lives.
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