The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission, led by Chairman Charles Ejiogu, announced that the local government elections will be held on September 21. This announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting in Owerri, Imo State.
Ejiogu emphasized the commission’s commitment to enhancing democratic governance at the grassroots level. He noted that since Nigeria’s return to constitutional governance in 1999, this will be the fifth local government election, following previous ones in 1999, 2004, 2010, and 2018.
Under Law No 14 of 2000, as amended, the commission is tasked with overseeing free, transparent, and credible local government elections in Imo State. The upcoming elections will cover 305 wards and 4,758 polling units across the state’s 27 local government areas.
Ejiogu urged Imo residents to participate actively in the election process. The commission has already released the Election Guidelines and Timetable, paving the way for the election of 27 Council Chairmen, their Deputies, and 305 Councilors, as announced on May 24, 2024.
Preparations for recruiting Ad-hoc personnel are well underway, involving both field and internal staff. The commission is collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission and has received substantial support from various security agencies. Voluntary agencies are also playing a significant role.
Ejiogu assured that ISIEC will uphold its duty of observing the primaries as required by the Electoral Act. The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by Traditional Rulers, Presidents General, Opinion Leaders, Women and Youth Groups, Market Associations, Trade Groups, Civil Society Organizations, Media, Clergy, Faith-Based Organisations, and Political Leaders.
