The Forum of Political Parties State Chairmen in Imo State has rejected the proposed local government election in the state, alleging that the poll is being organised without a valid timetable and the statutory notice required for political parties.
The forum, in a statement issued yesterday and signed by its Coordinating Secretary, Hon. Uzor Agaptus, said the election was reportedly scheduled with barely two weeks’ notice, describing the arrangement as a violation of procedures required for a credible and transparent electoral process.
The political parties warned that they would approach the courts to challenge the proposed election, insisting that they would not participate in what they described as an “electoral jamboree.”
Agaptus questioned how the authorities could proceed with an election without formally communicating the timetable, notice and other necessary information to the political parties.
“How do you conduct an election without a timetable, no notice, and no information to any single political party?” he queried.
The forum further alleged that electoral authorities were attempting to rely on a purportedly backdated memo to create the impression that the proposed election had been covered by an earlier notice.
Agaptus described the alleged action as “the height of political madness,” insisting that the parties’ objection was based on legal and procedural concerns rather than opposition to the conduct of local government elections.
According to him, the political parties would individually seek court orders to stop and nullify the proposed election if the authorities proceeded with the exercise.
He added that even if the election went ahead, the parties would challenge its outcome in court, warning that any person declared a local government chairman through the process would have their mandate subjected to judicial scrutiny.
Beyond seeking legal redress, the forum called for an investigation into the conduct of electoral officials allegedly involved in what it described as violations of established electoral procedures, with possible prosecution where appropriate.
Agaptus also accused the Imo political establishment of a history of undermining democratic processes, alleging that the state had previously witnessed the imposition of members of the State House of Assembly and a local government chairman.
He said the latest controversy surrounding the proposed local government election had further heightened concerns over the credibility of electoral processes in the state.
“Imo can’t continue like this,” Agaptus declared, urging political parties to unite in defending their constitutional rights and challenging any electoral process they consider unlawful.
The forum called on all political parties in the state to work together and pursue appropriate legal measures against the proposed poll.
It maintained that local government elections should be conducted in accordance with transparent, predictable and legally established procedures, rather than through what it described as sudden announcements with inadequate notice.
