CAD calls for forensic audit of voter register, urges security agencies to question APP senatorial candidate
The Civic Action for Democracy (CAD) has alleged a plot to compromise the 2027 general elections in Owerri Zone, Imo State, through the suspected unauthorised acquisition of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) login credentials and the alleged injection of thousands of fictitious identities into the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter register.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mazi Franklin Ngoforo, dated October 20, 2026, and made available to journalists in Owerri, the group said it had received intelligence suggesting that associates of the Action Peoples Party (APP) senatorial candidate for Owerri Zone, Chima Matthew Amadi, allegedly claimed to have obtained login details for BVAS devices to be deployed at polling units across the zone. CAD called for an immediate investigation to establish the veracity of the claims and determine whether sensitive electoral information had been compromised.
The group also raised concerns over the alleged appearance of thousands of suspicious names in the voter register across several wards in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, where the APP senatorial candidate hails from, and other parts of Owerri Zone. It cited names such as Salin Kupur, Abraka Wahab, Mgbara Oba Ikweh and Owaya Mfemfe as examples requiring verification, alleging that one ward in Ngor Okpala contained more than 15,000 questionable identities. CAD further claimed that arrangements were at an advanced stage for the bulk collection of voter cards allegedly linked to the identities.
“Who are these thousands of reported newly imported voters bearing strange names? How were they registered? Were the prescribed procedures of direct data capturing followed, and can their identities withstand independent verification?” the group asked, urging INEC to investigate the entries and establish whether the registrations complied with electoral regulations.
CAD also called on security agencies to investigate Amadi’s reported longstanding association with INEC as an agent, contractor or front, arguing that any relevant connection should be examined to determine whether it could shed light on the alleged possession of BVAS credentials. The group, however, cautioned that a previous association with the electoral commission would not, in itself, establish wrongdoing. It urged the authorities to question Amadi and any associates whose statements or conduct might assist the investigation, stressing that the allegations must be tested against verifiable evidence.
The group warned that the alleged activities, if established, could extend beyond the contest for the Owerri Zone senatorial seat and threaten the stability of the state. It said public confidence in peaceful democratic participation could erode if voters believed elections were being manipulated before they reached polling units, potentially escalating political rivalries into confrontation. “We must not wait until a scheme has advanced beyond prevention before taking action,” CAD said, calling for urgent intervention to prevent avoidable electoral tension and unrest.
CAD urged INEC, the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to commence a coordinated investigation, including a forensic audit of suspicious voter registrations in Ngor Okpala and other affected areas. It also called for the verification of the identities in question, an examination of the procedures through which they were registered and an investigation into any suspected compromise of BVAS credentials. CAD warned that failure to address the allegations could undermine public confidence in the elections and heighten political tensions in the state.
“The 2027 elections must not be compromised, the votes of the people must not be stolen, and the peace of Owerri Zone must not be sacrificed on the altar of political ambition,” the group said, adding that the allegations required urgent attention to prevent a potentially disputed election from triggering wider unrest.
