An insider has revealed that the pilgrimage group is headed by Professor Sylvia Agu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Imo State.
Exclusive information obtained by SaharaReporters indicates that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has funded a religious pilgrimage to Jerusalem for senior officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Imo State. The delegation includes the Resident Electoral Commissioner, three department heads, and 27 Electoral Officers representing various local government areas across the state.
Sources close to the matter disclosed that the INEC Imo State leadership and selected staff members are scheduled to depart for Jerusalem on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with the trip fully sponsored by the state governor.
Leading the pilgrimage is Professor Sylvia Agu, the Imo State REC, accompanied by key INEC officials such as Esther Okorie, Head of Operations; Barrister Onyinye Nwankwo, Acting Head of Legal; and Agnes Elukpo, Acting Head of ICT.
This gubernatorial sponsorship has sparked unease among INEC staff, who fear that such patronage might jeopardize the commission’s impartiality, especially in a politically charged environment like Imo State.
BREAKING: Governor Hope Uzodimma Funds Imo REC and 27 Electoral Officers’ Pilgrimage to Jerusalem
By law, INEC is mandated to function autonomously, free from executive interference.
Accepting gifts or sponsorships from political figures, particularly governors who wield significant influence, risks eroding public trust in the electoral system.
In addition to the REC and department heads, SaharaReporters has obtained the full list of the 27 Electoral Officers selected for the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
Representatives 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
Additional Electoral Officers 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
An insider within INEC expressed to SaharaReporters that this pilgrimage could exacerbate voter skepticism, particularly with upcoming elections in Imo State, a region that has experienced significant electoral controversies in recent years. The impartiality of electoral officials remains a pivotal concern.
The delegation is expected to convene at the Government House Chapel by noon on Tuesday for prayers and a formal send-off before embarking on their journey.
“The REC, seven department heads, and 27 Electoral Officers will depart Imo State for Jerusalem at 10 pm tomorrow, sponsored by Governor Hope Uzodimma,” a source confirmed to SaharaReporters on Monday.
After the chapel gathering, the group will proceed to Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri around 3 pm.
Their flight to Jerusalem is scheduled for 10 pm the same day, marking the commencement of their spiritual pilgrimage.
