Imo CSOs reject November 7 council polls, demand ISIEC chairman’s sack

A coalition of civil society organisations in Imo State has raised objections to the newly chosen date of November 7 for local government council elections. The group, which includes the State Independent Electoral Commission, argues that the 33-day notice period provided for the elections contravenes Section 28(1) of the 2026 Electoral Act, which stipulates that notice should be given at least 300 days prior to the election date.

In a joint press statement, the coalition's Coordinator, Chibundu Uchegbu, and Secretary, Udochukwu Uchegbu, expressed their dissatisfaction with ISIEC Chairman Charles Ejiogu's handling of the issue.

The coalition pointed out that the commission had previously violated the law when it hastily fixed the new date after consultations with the Inter-Party Advisory Council and other stakeholders. They noted that ISIEC's swift action on 18th September, 2026, followed by another decision on 5th October, 2026, both of which contravened the law, demonstrated a lack of commitment to adhering to electoral regulations.

The group urged the commission to suspend further plans to hold the elections on the 7th of November, and called for the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, to dismiss Ejiogu and appoint a new chairman to restructure the electoral body. They suggested that a suitable date for the elections should be determined by the new chairman, taking into account the concerns of Imo State residents.