The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) has announced the postponement of the November 7, 2026 Local Government Council elections, assuring political parties and other stakeholders that a new date, timetable and electoral guidelines will be announced within the shortest possible time.
The Chairman of ISIEC, Chief Charles Ejiogu, JP, made the announcement on Saturday, October 31, 2026, during a critical stakeholders' meeting held at Rockview Hotels, Owerri, ahead of the proposed local government elections.
Addressing representatives of registered political parties, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), traditional rulers, presidents-general, chairmanship and councillorship aspirants, faith-based organisations, women and youth groups, security stakeholders and members of the media, Ejiogu explained that the decision followed extensive consultations and engagements with critical stakeholders in the electoral process.
He recalled that the Commission had, on September 18, 2025, issued a 360-day notification for the conduct of the 2026 local government elections in line with Section 7(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, Imo State Government Law No. 6, Section 16(1), and the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission Establishment Law 2005, as amended.
According to him, the Commission had initially scheduled the elections for September 26, 2026, following the expiration of the two-year tenure of the 27 Local Government Council Chairmen and Councillors who were elected on September 21, 2024, and sworn into office on September 30, 2024.
However, he disclosed that the initial election date generated concerns among critical stakeholders, particularly IPAC, with some members approaching the judiciary to seek an extension of the electoral timeline.
Ejiogu explained that, in response to the concerns raised, ISIEC embarked on a series of constructive engagements with IPAC and other stakeholders, which eventually resulted in the postponement of the September 26 election to November 7, 2026.
He said the latest stakeholders' meeting was convened to provide an opportunity for further consultations, explain the circumstances surrounding the electoral process and obtain informed suggestions from political parties and other relevant groups towards determining a new election date.
The ISIEC Chairman emphasised that the Commission recognised IPAC as a strategic partner in the electoral process, noting that the Commission could not operate in isolation from the political parties and other critical stakeholders.
He maintained that ISIEC remained an impartial electoral management body, independent of political party interests, and committed to providing a level playing field for all registered political parties, their supporters and candidates.
According to him, the Commission's allegiance remained firmly with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission Establishment Law and the people of Imo State.
He further assured political parties and prospective candidates that the Commission would guarantee a transparent and credible electoral environment that would allow all qualified candidates to participate freely in the forthcoming elections.
On electoral security, Ejiogu called on political parties, supporters and aspirants to demonstrate political tolerance, shun violence, thuggery, hate speech and other activities capable of undermining democratic stability at the grassroots.
He particularly warned against the destruction of opponents' campaign billboards and posters, as well as inflammatory comments capable of causing a breakdown of law and order during the electioneering period.
He disclosed that ISIEC was working in collaboration with security agencies towards establishing the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), which would comprise the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant security agencies.
The committee, he explained, would ensure adequate security before, during and after the local government elections.
Ejiogu also urged political parties to embrace and sign a Peace Accord, stressing that no individual or group would be allowed to undermine the will of the electorate in the forthcoming elections.
The Chairman further reminded political parties of the need to uphold internal democracy by conducting credible and transparent primary elections, noting that the Electoral Act 2022 requires ISIEC to observe political party primaries.
He stressed that the emergence of credible candidates through democratic internal processes would strengthen the legitimacy of the forthcoming local government elections.
Providing further insight into the scale of the electoral exercise, Ejiogu disclosed that the forthcoming elections would cover 4,758 polling units and 305 wards across the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State.
He appealed to traditional rulers, presidents-general, religious leaders, women and youth organisations to support the Commission through grassroots sensitisation and mobilisation to encourage massive voter participation and reduce voter apathy.
He described the traditional institution as an important partner in grassroots democratic development, given its influence and position as custodian of the people's culture and traditions.
The ISIEC Chairman also acknowledged the important role of the media as the fourth estate of the realm, appreciating media organisations for their sustained partnership and fair reportage of the Commission's activities.
He assured journalists of the Commission's continued openness and willingness to provide relevant information concerning the electoral process.
Ejiogu, however, reiterated that despite the postponement, ISIEC remained fully committed to discharging its constitutional responsibility of conducting peaceful, transparent and credible local government elections that would produce democratically elected council chairmen and councillors across the state.
He assured political parties and their prospective chairmanship and councillorship candidates that the Commission would provide a seamless and level playing field following the conclusion of party primaries.
The Chairman called on all stakeholders to sustain their cooperation and understanding, expressing confidence that collective commitment would contribute to the successful conduct of the elections.
He concluded by thanking participants for honouring the Commission's invitation and assured them that the new election date, timetable and guidelines would be communicated within the shortest possible time.
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