The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) confirmed on Saturday that the local government council elections originally slated for 7 November 2026 will not take place as planned, and no new date has been set yet. The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Owerri, the state capital.
What caused the postponement?
Chief Charles Ejiogu, the chairman of ISIEC, declined to provide a specific reason for the delay, stating only that the commission was “constrained to announce that the election will not hold.” He added that the body will determine a fresh election date “within the shortest possible time.”
When was the election originally scheduled?
The poll had first been fixed for 26 September 2026, but the state government later cited ongoing litigations as a barrier to holding the vote on that date. The subsequent rescheduling to 7 November was also abandoned.
What assurances were given?
Ejiogu pledged that the commission remains committed to its constitutional duty of conducting a peaceful, transparent and credible local government election. He emphasized that the outcome will produce democratically elected council chairmen and councilors, and that the process will not be compromised.
How will security be managed?
The chairman announced the formation of an Inter‑Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), which will include the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services, NSCDC and other relevant agencies. This committee aims to guarantee adequate security before, during and after the eventual poll.
What is expected from political parties?
Ejiogu urged all parties and their candidates to respect the level‑playing field that ISIEC intends to provide. He called on the Inter‑Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to sign and uphold a peace accord, warning that any attempt to subvert the will of the people would be unacceptable.
The meeting concluded with an invitation for stakeholders to share informed suggestions, which the commission will consider as it finalises the new election timetable and guidelines.
Charles Ejiogu reiterated that the commission will not shirk its responsibility and that a transparent, credible election remains a non‑negotiable objective for Imo State’s democratic development.