The Action Peoples Party in Imo State has opposed a reported plan to move the collation centre for the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency from Urualla in Ideato North to Dikenafai in Ideato South, calling for public justification and due process.
In a statement signed by state chairman Ernest Njesi, the party said any change to established electoral arrangements must follow clear legal and administrative procedures, stakeholder consultation and a publicly verifiable reason. Decisions that affect an entire federal constituency should not be taken unilaterally or without explanation to parties, candidates, traditional institutions, community leaders and voters, it said.
The party’s intervention comes as residents of the constituency have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the proposed relocation and examine the circumstances around it. That legal challenge was reported on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.
APP said it would not pre-empt the court. It added that if insecurity is being used to justify the move, the authorities should provide a clear explanation and credible evidence. Vague security claims or unexplained administrative steps, Njesi said, risk suspicion and tension between neighbouring communities.
“If insecurity is being relied upon as the basis for such a significant administrative decision, then the relevant authorities owe the public a clear explanation and verifiable evidence supporting that position,” he said.
The party argued that Ideato North and Ideato South have long-standing social, economic and cultural ties, and that electoral administration should build public confidence rather than divide communities. It also expressed concern about any similar change in the Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele Federal Constituency, known as NINN.
APP urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to state publicly the circumstances of any proposed relocation, the legal and administrative basis for it, and any security assessment being relied on. It called for consultation with stakeholders before changes that would substantially affect a constituency.
INEC’s public locator lists offices in both local government areas: the Ideato North office at the LGA secretariat in Urualla, and the Ideato South office behind the LGA secretariat in Dikenafai.
The party said electoral decisions must not become the private affair of a few people and must not confer an undue advantage on any party, candidate or individual. It appealed to residents of Ideato North, Ideato South and the wider constituency to remain calm and law-abiding while the matter is handled through lawful institutions.
APP said it would continue to press for transparency, fairness and peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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