Call For Reform: Stakeholders Demand Independent Agency For Local Government Elections

Call For Reform: Stakeholders Demand Independent Agency For Local Government ElectionsStakeholders in Imo State have called on the Federal Government to establish an independent electoral body to oversee local government elections, citing concerns over fairness in recent elections. This appeal was made during a town hall meeting in Owerri, organized by SOS Children’s Villages with support from the European Union, under the theme “Reflections on the outcomes and learnings of elections in Imo State for sustainable peace and strengthened democracy in Nigeria.”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Eze George Nwosu, the traditional ruler of Umuekwure in Ngor Okpala, emphasized the need for electoral reform, stating, “We must strengthen our institutions, like the electoral bodies, so they cannot be manipulated. Weak institutions prevent us from holding offenders accountable, and it’s time to take action.”

Sheikh Suleiman Yusuf Njoku, Imo State’s Chief Imam, expressed his disillusionment with current electoral practices, remarking, “Nigeria is not what it once was. Our society enables politicians to commit various wrongdoings. We must prioritize reconciliation with our creator over materialism to overcome our challenges.”

Ichie Levi Ekeh, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Imo, echoed the need for reform, highlighting the lack of prosecution for electoral offenders from previous elections. He noted the necessity of adhering to electoral guidelines and advocated for the creation of a separate body to conduct local elections, citing a lack of fairness where one party dominates.

Chimezie Ebosie, a member of a civil society organization, suggested forming a coalition for electoral reform and using Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to hold leaders accountable, while also urging political parties to enhance voter education.

David Tochukwu Gabriel, representing the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages, underscored the meeting’s achievements in promoting voter education and fostering collaboration among stakeholders for future elections. Representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) were also present, discussing the importance of stakeholder engagement in promoting fair electoral practices.

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