The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo has distanced itself from the proposed local government elections planned by the government of Owelle Rochas Okorocha as it described the polls fixed for July 14, as unconstitutional. In a statement by Damian Opara, its spokesperson, the party argued that the proposed election did not follow constitutional stipulations.
According to the statement, the Supreme Court had advised the Imo state Independent Electoral Commission (ISEC) against holding the election.
“The attention of the People’s Democratic Party, Imo state, has again been drawn to a subterranean plot by the All Progressives Congress to disobey the nation’s apex court’s directive that the local government elections (scheduled to hold) in Imo state be put on hold until the Supreme Court determines the case between the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Imo state and the Imo state government.
“The PDP in Imo state therefore wishes to categorically state that it shall not take part in the purported election; and alert all Nigerians, particularly, political parties in Imo state, not to (participate), as any money spent by anybody in respect of the purported local government election in Imo State is tantamount to futile efforts.
“The Supreme Court, upon the oral application of Barr Ngozi Olehi, counsel to ALGON, Imo state, directed all parties in the suit before the apex court to keep off from entertaining or participating in any activity pertaining to local government elections in Imo state until the determination of the appeal before it.
“The apex court’s advice is clear and unambiguous,” the statement said.
It was earlier reported that Governor Rochas Okorocha said there is no Supreme Court order restraining Imo state government from conducting the planned local government election and insisted that the election must be conducted as scheduled.
The report stated that Okorocha disclosed this in a press statement signed by his chief press secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, on Monday, April 24.
