The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption has expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, urging Nigerians to exercise caution over allegations of questionable staff redeployments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisations stated this in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday and signed by COCSOAC President, Bola Ademola, and its National Secretary, Comrade Abdulfatah Aliyu.

The coalition said it had taken note of an online publication alleging questionable staff redeployments within INEC, including the reported reassignment of a northern director and the placement of South-West officials in key departments.

However, it said it had not independently verified the reported changes or the alleged motives behind them, warning against treating claims of political interference or ethnic favouritism as established facts.

“Public confidence in electoral institutions is best protected by responsible scrutiny rather than unverified allegations,” the statement said.

The coalition said staff redeployment was a recognised administrative practice that could serve legitimate purposes, including improving operational efficiency, professional development and management.

“The geographical origin or family associations of an officer do not, by themselves, establish bias or an intention to manipulate elections. The relevant questions are whether the decisions complied with applicable rules, were properly authorised and were based on legitimate administrative considerations,” it stated.

COCSOAC urged INEC to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported redeployments where appropriate, while calling on the media and civil society organisations to avoid premature conclusions.

On the commission’s leadership, the coalition said institutional experience, diligence and administrative continuity were important to effective election management.