Political parties in Imo State have rejected a proposed local government election, alleging that state electoral authorities plan to hold the poll without a valid timetable or the required statutory notice.
The Forum of Political Parties State Chairmen in Imo State, in a statement issued yesterday and signed by its Coordinating Secretary, Hon. Uzor Agaptus, said the election was reportedly scheduled with barely two weeks’ notice. The forum described the arrangement as a breach of procedures needed for a credible process and warned that parties would not take part in what it called an “electoral jamboree.”
Agaptus questioned how the authorities could proceed without formally communicating necessary details to any political party. “How do you conduct an election without a timetable, no notice, and no information to any single political party?” he asked.
He alleged that officials were attempting to rely on a purportedly backdated memo to create the impression that earlier notice had been given. Agaptus called the alleged move “the height of political madness” and stressed that the objection rested on legal grounds rather than political opposition.
The forum said political parties would individually approach the courts to seek orders stopping and nullifying the proposed election. Even if the authorities went ahead with what Agaptus termed a “coronation,” the outcome would still face legal challenge. Any person declared chairman through the process, he warned, would have their mandate subjected to judicial scrutiny.
Beyond court action, the forum called for the investigation and possible prosecution of electoral officials allegedly involved in violating established procedures.
Agaptus further accused the Imo political establishment of a pattern of undermining democratic processes, citing earlier instances of the imposition of members of the House of Assembly and a local government chairman. He said the proposed poll had heightened concerns over the credibility of elections in the state.
“Imo can’t continue like this,” Agaptus declared, urging parties to collectively defend their constitutional rights and reject any process they consider unlawful. The forum maintained that local government elections must follow transparent, predictable and legally established procedures rather than sudden announcements.
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