…IPAC, Political Parties Welcome Decision as Stakeholders Raise Concerns Over Electoral Preparedness and 2026 Polls
By Douglas Princemola
The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) has indefinitely postponed the forthcoming Local Government Council elections, which were earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The announcement was made on Saturday, October 31, by the ISIEC Chairman, Chief Charles Ejiogu, during a stakeholders’ meeting at Rockview Hotels, Owerri.
The meeting brought together representatives of political parties, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), traditional rulers, security agencies, journalists, faith-based organisations, women and youth groups.
Explaining the decision, Ejiogu recalled that the electoral process commenced following the Commission’s notification of September 18, 2025, in line with relevant constitutional and statutory provisions.
The elections were initially fixed for September 26, 2026, but were later shifted to November 7 following consultations with stakeholders and concerns raised by some political parties, including legal actions seeking an extension.
However, after further consultations, the Commission resolved to suspend the November 7 exercise indefinitely.
Ejiogu assured political parties and other stakeholders of ISIEC’s neutrality, stressing that the Commission remained an independent electoral body committed to providing a level playing field for all contestants.
He described IPAC as a strategic partner in the electoral process and urged political parties to maintain constructive engagement with the Commission.
The ISIEC chairman also called on political actors to reject violence, thuggery, hate speech and the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials, emphasising the need for peaceful political participation.
On election security, he disclosed that the Commission was working with relevant security agencies to establish an Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), involving the Police, Armed Forces, DSS and NSCDC.
He further assured that a fresh election date, timetable and updated guidelines would be announced within the shortest possible time.
The postponed elections are expected to cover 4,758 polling units across 305 wards in the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State.
Reacting to the development, Imo State IPAC Chairman, Comrade Uche Isiodu, welcomed the postponement, describing it as an opportunity for political parties and other stakeholders to prepare adequately for a more credible electoral exercise.
He, however, urged ISIEC to release a new timetable promptly to enable political parties and their candidates to plan effectively.
Similarly, the Imo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, underscored the importance of local government elections in strengthening grassroots democracy and promoting development.
He challenged the Commission to discharge its responsibilities effectively by conducting free, fair and credible elections.
The state Labour Party Chairman, Dr. Nelson Ezerioha, and APC State Secretary, Hon. Onyekachi Ibezim, also welcomed the decision and expressed confidence in ISIEC’s capacity to organise credible polls.
Both party representatives reaffirmed their parties’ readiness to participate whenever a new date is announced.
Meanwhile, other stakeholders, including Comrade Orient Nwadike and Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Ugochukwu, advocated greater youth participation in the electoral process.
They also raised concerns about the feasibility of conducting the elections before the end of 2026, considering the legal requirements and the extensive preparations required.
With the November 7 date now cancelled, attention has shifted to ISIEC’s next move, particularly the announcement of a fresh timetable and the Commission’s ability to address stakeholders’ concerns.
For now, political parties, candidates and residents across Imo State will have to wait as uncertainty surrounds the much-anticipated local government elections.
