NDC kicks towards Imo LG polls, alleges plot to stifle opposition

The Legal Directorate of the Imo State National Campaign Council of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has described the native authorities election scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, as unconstitutional.

The occasion referred to as on the Federal Government to not launch funds to anybody who emerges from the train.

The NDC made the decision on Thursday at a press briefing held on the Campaign Council Secretariat, 1 Upe Street, off MCC Road, Owerri.

The Director of Legal Services, Eze Eluchie, Esq., mentioned the forthcoming election wouldn’t meet the necessities of Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which ensures a system of native authorities by democratically elected councils.

According to him, the administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma has, since January 2020, ruled the native authorities areas by means of Directors of Administration and General Services, DAGS, and later Sole Administrators, preparations he described as not envisaged by the Constitution.

He mentioned the only directors, appointed in January 2022, remained in workplace till the September 2024 native authorities elections, and that upon the expiration of the two-year tenure of these elected in 2024 in September 2026, the governor, once more, appointed DAGS to supervise the councils.

“What ISIEC appears to be planning is indeed a coronation of selected persons as chairmen and councillors and not a democratic election,” Eluchie mentioned.

The NDC due to this fact urged the Federal Government to withhold all funds because of the 27 native authorities councils of the state from individuals who emerge from the November 14 ballot.

The occasion proposed that the funds be saved in interest-yielding accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria and launched solely when correct democratic elections are held, whereas remedial measures are put in place to make sure cost of salaries to council employees.

Eluchie mentioned comparable steps had been taken in Osun and Lagos states, including that it was crucial that the funds “do not get into the wrong hands.”

The occasion additionally accused the Imo State Signage and Advertising Agency, ISAA, of imposing “obnoxious, hefty and prohibitive” charges for marketing campaign billboards and ads, which it mentioned stifle opposition events.

Eluchie disclosed that the occasion had, earlier on Thursday, despatched a Request for Information below the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA, to the General Manager of ISAA, demanding proof of cost by any political occasion for signage and commercial charges for political campaigns.

He mentioned the request would reveal whether or not the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, paid for the a number of billboards and marketing campaign posters it has positioned throughout the state.

The NDC mentioned it intends to problem the charges in court docket whether it is established that APC adverts weren’t paid for in keeping with the charges demanded by ISAA.

“The rates fixed by ISAA are tantamount to an infringement on the constitutionally enshrined freedoms of expression, freedoms of association, and rights to participate in governance,” Eluchie mentioned.

He referred to as for a degree enjoying area for all political events to safeguard democracy in Imo State.

As at press time, neither the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission, ISIEC, ISAA, nor the state authorities had responded to the allegations.