The Governor Hope Uzodinma led Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) has postponed indefinitely the local government election scheduled for November 7, 2026.
The Chairman of ISIEC, Charles Ejiogu, announced the postponement during a stakeholders’ meeting in Owerri on Saturday, October 31.
Although the commission did not provide a specific reason for the decision, Ejiogu said it had been constrained to suspend the scheduled election.
“At this juncture, having consulted widely, the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission is constrained to announce that the scheduled Saturday 7th November, 2026 Local Government Council Elections will no longer hold.
“Today, the commission will afford you the opportunity to express your considered view points with informed suggestions, as it works towards the new date.
“Rest assured that within the shortest possible time, the commission will announce the new date, time table and guidelines.
“On behalf of the Imo state Independent Electoral Commission, ISIEC, I hasten to doubly assure all of you that at no time will the commission shirk its constitutional responsibility of conducting a peaceful, transparent and credible Local Government Councils election that will usher in a democratically elected Council Chairmen and Councilors and there will be no two ways to it, as it is a task that must be accomplished,” Ejiogu said.
Election Previously Postponed
The local government election was initially scheduled for September 26, 2026, before the Imo State Government, led by Governor Hope Uzodimma, announced that it could not proceed because of ongoing litigation.
With the latest postponement, the commission has yet to announce a new date for the polls.
Ejiogu, however, assured political parties and their candidates that ISIEC would provide a level playing field for all participants.
“Let me reassure the political parties and their aspirants/candidates that as an Electoral Management Body that the ISIEC will present to all of you a seamless level playing ground for all your Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates that will emerge after the primaries,” he said.
ISIEC Promises Adequate Security
The commission chairman also disclosed that ISIEC was working with security agencies to establish an Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) ahead of the rescheduled election.
The proposed committee is expected to include the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other relevant agencies.
Ejiogu said the collaboration was aimed at ensuring adequate security before, during and after the elections.
He also urged the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to sign and uphold a peace accord, warning against any attempt to undermine the will of voters.
“We urge IPAC to sign and uphold a PEACE ACCORD, as no one or group of persons will be allowed to subvert the will of the people in the upcoming Council elections,” he stated.
Ejiogu further appealed to political parties and their supporters to demonstrate tolerance and maintain peace as the state awaits a new election timetable.
