OWERRI — The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) has announced that elections into the offices of 27 Local Government Area (LGA) Chairmen and 305 Ward Councillors will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
The sudden announcement has sparked immediate concern among opposition platforms and civil society groups, who criticize the timing and characterize the move as an election scheduled without adequate public notice or sufficient preparation time for political entities across the state.
Key Details from the ISIEC Release
- Poll Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026.
- Contested Seats: 27 LGA Council Chairmanships and 305 Ward Councillor seats across 4,758 polling units.
- Official Authorization: Signed by ISIEC Chairman, Chief Charles Ejiogu, JP, on September 11, 2026.
- Statutory Claim: The commission cited its September 18, 2025 “360 days’ Notice of Election” pursuant to Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) as the legal basis for the date.
Outrage Over “Without Notice” Poll Timeline
Despite ISIEC’s reference to prior notices, opposition parties and political analysts argue that springing a firm election date just two weeks in advance leaves registered political parties without proper window to organize primaries, field candidates, or conduct campaigns.
Critics argue that fixing a polling date on such short notice effectively disenfranchises opposition candidates and voters, creating a one-sided landscape favoring the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Stakeholders are calling on electoral monitors and judicial bodies to review the timeline to ensure democratic fairness across Imo State.
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