By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Imo State Office, on Thursday, July 26, 2026, convened a one-day Stakeholders’ Forum on the 2027 General Elections, bringing together political parties, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organizations, security agencies, civil society groups, persons with disabilities, women and youth organizations, the media, and other critical stakeholders to strengthen preparations for the forthcoming elections.
Addressing participants, the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Chukwuemeka Ibeziako, Esq., who conveyed the goodwill message of the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, commended the impressive turnout, describing it as a reflection of the collective commitment of stakeholders to deepen democracy and ensure the successful conduct of the 2027 General Elections.
Ibeziako explained that the forum was convened in line with INEC’s constitutional mandate to review progress made in implementing the “Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 Elections,” stressing that elections are a continuous process rather than a one-day event.
According to him, the engagement also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to examine preparations, identify emerging challenges and strengthen collaboration toward delivering credible elections in Imo State.
“The successful conduct of elections is a collective responsibility. While the Commission bears the constitutional mandate of organizing elections, the credibility and integrity of the electoral process depend on the active participation and cooperation of all stakeholders,” he said.
The REC highlighted key milestones in the electoral timetable, including candidate nominations, publication of candidates’ lists, campaign periods, voter register publication, submission of polling agents and other statutory activities.
He announced that the Presidential and National Assembly Elections would hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Ibeziako noted that INEC had already recorded significant progress through sustained voter education campaigns, stakeholder engagements, personnel training, logistics planning and collaboration with security agencies.
He, however, identified voter apathy, misinformation and disinformation, electoral violence, harassment of election officials, vote buying and vote selling as major threats capable of undermining the credibility of the polls.
The REC urged political parties to strictly comply with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC’s regulations to minimize disputes and enhance public confidence in the electoral process. He also called on security agencies to remain neutral, professional and committed to providing a peaceful environment for voters while safeguarding election personnel and materials.
On voter registration and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a major issue raised during the forum, Ibeziako appealed to stakeholders to intensify public awareness and encourage eligible voters to collect their PVCs before the stipulated deadline.
He further urged the media and all stakeholders to sustain voter enlightenment campaigns, emphasizing that widespread PVC collection and active citizen participation remain essential to free, fair, credible and transparent elections.
In their separate remarks, stakeholders described the engagement as timely and commendable, expressing confidence in the Imo State office of INEC to conduct credible elections in 2027.
They, however, highlighte called for measures to ensure a level playing field for all political actors, free from intimidation, violence, favoritism and exclusion. They also pledged their support toward a peaceful electoral process that truly reflects the will of the people.
Among those who spoke at the forum were Eze Marcel Uzuegbu, representing the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Ndieze; the Imo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Austin Onyedebelu; the Imo State Chairman of the Action People’s Party (APP), Hon. Ernest Njesi and the Chairman of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Mr. Michael Anyanwu.
Others were: the Executive Director of Open Arms Initiative for Sustainable Development (OPAISD), Mrs. Okeiyi Juliet; Nzeribe Placidus Eberendu, Secretary, Imo Council of Town Union President Generals; and Barrister Chidumem Ekweke, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Imo State Chapter, among other participants.
