As Imo State gears up for the Local Council Elections on September 21, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has completed its primaries with optimism. The primaries, which took place on August 3, 2024, covered all 27 local government areas (LGAs) and 305 wards across the state. According to SDP State Chairman Amb. Ifeanyi Eluwa, the process was smooth and conducted in accordance with the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) timetable.
The party’s primaries were marked by consensus, with all candidates for the various positions being returned unopposed. Notably, three women will be running for the councillorship seats, highlighting the SDP’s commitment to gender inclusivity.
Kingsley Chidi Ubah, the Head of Election and Party Monitoring at ISIEC, observed the primaries and praised the SDP for their transparent and democratic process. “ISIEC is satisfied with the process and democratic resolution of SDP. I urge the party to adhere to ISIEC guidelines in the upcoming local government elections,” Ubah stated.
Prince Bright Obinna Ekwebelem, the SDP’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, expressed confidence in the party’s potential for success. “SDP is poised to take over local government administration in Imo State due to its dedication to human dignity, development, and progress,” Ekwebelem said.
Eluwa echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the SDP’s successful primaries reflect its readiness to win a majority of seats in the forthcoming elections. “Our goal is to embed democracy and good governance at the grassroots level, ensuring that rural residents benefit from effective local administration,” he added.
The SDP leader also expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving the LG elections and urged ISIEC to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
With the primaries now concluded, the SDP is gearing up for the next phase, confident in its strategy and the support it has garnered across Imo State.
