By Our Correspondent
The much-anticipated Imo State Local Government Council elections have suffered another major setback as the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) indefinitely postponed the exercise, leaving political parties, candidates and residents uncertain about when the polls will eventually hold.
The elections, initially scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, were suspended following consultations with political parties and other stakeholders.
The announcement was made on Saturday, October 31, by the ISIEC Chairman, Chief Charles Ejiogu, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at Rockview Hotels, Owerri.
The meeting attracted representatives of political parties, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), traditional rulers, security agencies, journalists, faith-based organisations, women and youth groups.
Explaining the development, Ejiogu recalled that the electoral process commenced following the Commission’s notification issued on September 18, 2025, in accordance with relevant constitutional and statutory provisions.
He disclosed that the elections were initially scheduled for September 26, 2026, before being shifted to November 7 following consultations with stakeholders and concerns raised by some political parties, including legal actions seeking an extension.
However, following further consultations, the Commission resolved to suspend the November 7 election indefinitely.
The ISIEC chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s neutrality, insisting that it remained committed to providing a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
He described IPAC as a strategic partner in the electoral process and urged political parties to sustain constructive engagement with the Commission.
Ejiogu also warned political actors against violence, thuggery, hate speech and the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials, stressing the importance of peaceful political participation.
On security arrangements, he revealed that ISIEC was working with relevant security agencies to establish an Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), involving the Police, Armed Forces, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
He assured stakeholders that a fresh election date, timetable and updated guidelines would be announced within the shortest possible time.
The postponed exercise is expected to cover 4,758 polling units across 305 wards in the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State.
IPAC, Political Parties React
Reacting to the postponement, Imo State IPAC Chairman, Comrade Uche Isiodu, welcomed the Commission’s decision, describing it as an opportunity for political parties and other stakeholders to make adequate preparations for a more credible electoral exercise.
However, he urged ISIEC not to delay the announcement of a new timetable, noting that political parties and candidates needed sufficient time to organise their activities.
Similarly, the Imo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, emphasised the importance of local government elections in strengthening grassroots democracy and promoting development.
He challenged the Commission to demonstrate its commitment to democracy 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 postponement, expressing confidence in ISIEC’s ability to organise credible polls.
Both party representatives reaffirmed their parties’ readiness to participate whenever a fresh date is announced.
Meanwhile, other stakeholders, including Comrade Orient Nwadike and Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Ugochukwu, called for greater youth participation in the electoral process.
They also questioned the possibility of conducting the elections before the end of 2026, considering the legal requirements and extensive preparations involved.
Uncertainty As Imo Awaits ISIEC’s Next Move
With the November 7 election date now cancelled, attention has shifted to the Commission’s next decision.
While ISIEC has promised to announce a fresh timetable, concerns remain over the timing of the new polls, electoral preparedness and whether the exercise can still take place before the end of 2026.
For now, political parties, candidates and residents across Imo State are left waiting as the uncertainty surrounding the much-anticipated local government elections continues.
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