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The Forum of State Chairmen of Political Parties in Imo State has lashed out at the proposed local government elections in the state, alleging that the state electoral body intended to conduct the polls without a valid timetable and without the required legal notice to political parties.
The forum, in a statement released over the weekend, said the operation would be scheduled with just two weeks’ notice, describing the arrangement as a breach of procedures required for a credible electoral process.
He warned that political parties would challenge the proposed elections in court, insisting they would not participate in what they described as an “election jamboree”.
The press release, signed by the Coordinating Secretary of the Forum, the Hon. Uzor Agaptus, wondered how the authorities could proceed with the elections without formally communicating the necessary details to political parties and other critical stakeholders.
“How do you conduct an election without a timetable, without notice and without information to any single political party?” he asked.
… Alleged backdated note
Agaptus said election authorities were trying to use a supposedly backdated note to give the impression that the proposed election had been covered by an earlier notice.
He described the alleged move as “the height of political madness”, arguing that opposition to the elections was based on legal grounds rather than political opposition.
According to him, political parties would individually approach the courts for orders to stop and annul the proposed elections.
He added that even if authorities proceeded with what he called “the coronation,” the result would still be contested in court.
Agaptus also warned that any individual declared elected president through the process would have their tenure subjected to judicial review.
… Legal appeal
In addition to seeking legal redress, the forum called for the investigation and possible prosecution of election officials allegedly involved in the violation of established election procedures.
Agaptus also accused the Imo State Electoral Commission of undermining democratic processes, alleging that the state had previously witnessed the imposition of members of the State Assembly and a Local Government Council Chairman.
He said the proposed local government polls have further heightened concerns about the credibility of electoral processes in the state.
“I cannot continue like this,” he said, urging political parties to collectively defend their constitutional rights and reject any electoral process they consider illegal.
The forum called on political parties to unite and pursue appropriate legal measures against the proposed elections.
He argued that local government elections should be conducted under transparent, predictable and legally established procedures, rather than through what he described as sudden announcements.
