The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) has raised concerns over the possibility of elections not holding in three local government councils due to insecurity.
The affected councils are Onuimo, Okigwe, and Orsu, where the Commission says it faces significant operational challenges.
ISIEC Chairman, Charles Ejiogu, made the disclosure during a meeting with security outfits in Owerri, highlighting the need for protection of staff and election materials.
Ejiogu noted that electoral officers are struggling to access some LGAs for routine verification of polling units and collation centers due to insecurity.
Despite the challenges, the Commission however maintained that the election date, Saturday, September 21, remains unchanged unless circumstances beyond their control arise.
The ISIEC boss commended Governor Hope Uzodinma for creating an enabling environment for the Commission to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections.
The elections aim to usher in 27 chairmen and 305 their deputies, and 305 councilors, with the Commission committed to neutrality in political party affairs.
H noted that recruitment of 15,000 ad-hoc staff for both field and internal operations is ongoing,.
Ejiogu reiterated the Commission’s stance on non-interference in political party internal affairs, focusing solely on conducting a credible electoral process.
The security meeting aimed to address concerns and ensure a secure environment for the elections, with the Commission working closely with security agencies.
ISIEC says it remains committed to conducting a successful election, despite the challenges posed by insecurity in the three local government councils.
