Imo LG Election Tribunal Adjourns SDP Petition Against ISIEC, APC to November 4

The Imo State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Owerri, has adjourned the case filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) against the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to November 4, 2024.

The suit, numbered EPI/IMLG/0/9/24, was initiated by the SDP’s state chairman, Henry Ifeanyi Eluwa, challenging the electoral process that led to the emergence of local government chairmen across the state.

In its petition, the SDP is seeking the cancellation of the election results, alleging widespread irregularities and malpractices during the polls.

The party accused ISIEC of colluding with the APC to undermine electoral guidelines.

At the first hearing, which took place on October 17, 2024, the APC and its candidates were absent, prompting the tribunal to postpone proceedings until November 4, 2024.

Key local government areas highlighted in the petition include Ezinihitte, Owerri Municipal, Obowo, and Ngor-Okpala.

The SDP also called on ISIEC chairman Charles Ejiogu to clarify how election results were declared from certain LGAs where the Commission had earlier announced elections would not be held due to security concerns.

Reaffirming the party’s commitment to good governance, social justice, and electoral reform, Eluwa criticized the state electoral commission for allegedly disregarding its own guidelines issued to political parties and the public for the conduct of the election.