The APP protests and condemns the planned relocation of voter collection centers to Imo

The Imo State chapter of the Action Peoples Party (APP) has strongly condemned the reported attempt to relocate poll collation centers in some parts of the State, particularly Ideato North/South Federal Constituency, expressing serious concern over any similar development affecting Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele (NINN) Federal Constituency and other polling units in the State.

The party said it views any unilateral or poorly explained changes to established electoral arrangements as a matter requiring urgent public clarification, transparency and strict adherence to due process.

In a statement signed by the JPA State President, Hon. Ernest Njesi, said decisions affecting the electoral process of an entire constituency cannot and should not become the private affair of a few individuals.

“Such decisions have consequences for political parties, candidates, voters, traditional institutions, the Presidents-General’s Forum, community leaders and ordinary citizens and must therefore be handled openly, legally and with adequate consultation.

“Of particular concern is the reported justification of insecurity for the proposed relocation of the Ideato assembly center. The people of Ideato North have lived and conducted their social, economic and civic activities in their communities for generations. If insecurity is relied upon as the basis for such a significant administrative decision, then the relevant authorities owe the public a clear explanation and verifiable evidence to support such a position.

“We cannot allow vague statements or inexplicable administrative decisions to become tools to create unnecessary tensions among our people.

“Ideato North and Ideato South are communities whose people have shared relationships, traditions, markets, families and institutions long before the emergence of the current political administration. Likewise, the people of NINN have their own long-standing ties that must not be subject to unnecessary political tension.

“The APP is particularly concerned that a reckless approach to election administration could create suspicion, distrust and division among people who have historically lived as brothers and sisters.

“Imo State does not need electoral arrangements that divide its people. Imo State needs electoral institutions that unite trust around a transparent process,” Njesi said.

The party, therefore, called on INEC and security authorities to publicly clarify the circumstances surrounding any proposed relocation of assembly centres, to clarify the legal and administrative basis of such decisions and to provide verifiable information regarding any security assessment relied upon for action.

It also called for stakeholder consultation before implementing changes that substantially affect an electoral constituency, to ensure that no political party, candidate or individual receives an undue advantage through administrative decisions, to respect the INEC and the integrity of the electoral process and to avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary tension or division between neighboring communities.

“The APP will continue to support transparency, fairness, accountability and peaceful democratic participation.

“We call on the people of Ideato North, Ideato South and Nkwere, Isu, Nwangele and Njaba (NINN) to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding. Differences regarding election administration should be resolved through legitimate institutions and established democratic processes, not through confrontation or division,” APP added.