2027: INEC solicits political parties’ support for peaceful elections in Imo State
Photo : Barr. Christopher Chukwuemeka Ibeziako, Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner.
By Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has called on political parties and security agencies in Imo State to support its efforts to ensure the conduct of peaceful elections in 2027.
Imo Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Barr. Christopher Chukwuemeka Ibeziako made the call Thursday in his welcome address during the Imo INEC Stakeholders’ Forum held at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri.
Ibeziako who harped on the need for parties’ compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, Electoral Act, 2026, INEC Regulations, guidelines for the Conduct of Elections and other relevant provisions of the law to reduce disputes and enhance public confidence in our electoral process.
He implored security agencies to sustain the longstanding inter-agency collaboration and cooperation with the commission in safeguarding the electoral processes by remaining neutral and professional in discharging election duties.
His words, “Your neutrality and patriotic disposition remain critical to the maintenance of peace, protection of electoral materials and personnel; and the guaranty of safe environment to enable citizens freely participate in our electoral processes.
“We all share the responsibility to identify challenges, exchange ideas, and reaffirm our commitment to delivering elections that reflect the will of the people.
The successful conduct of elections is a collective responsibility, while the Commission bears the constitutional mandate of organizing the elections; the credibility and integrity of the electoral process depend on the roles of all stakeholders.
“This Stakeholders Forum is an imperative opportunity convened to review the progress made so far in the implementation of the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities of the 2027 General Elections.
“In unequivocal terms, elections are not isolated events; they are a process involving carefully planned activates that begin long before the polling day. Every stage of the process must be implemented within clearly defined. administrative and legal perspectives involving timelines.
“Consequently, all the stakeholders must understand the Revised Timetables and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections. Compliance with the timelines is essential to ensuring transparent and efficient electoral administration.
He remarked that significant progress has been recorded in the implementation of the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities pointing out that various preparatory activities have been attained in line with the timelines of the Commission.
“However, engagement with political parties, voter education initiatives, stakeholders’ consultations, trainings of election personnel, election planning logistics and coordination with security agencies will significant guide course to the 2027 General Elections.
“The Commission is focused on the strengthening of operational efficiency, enhancing transparency, and improving service delivery throughout the electoral process.
“Fundamentally, the evolving drive for successful elections shall continue to improve our operational processes, deepen stakeholder engagement, and transparency in the discharge of the constitutional mandate of the Commission,” he added.
Stakeholders who attended the event comprising various state chairmen of political parties, traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, the clergy, party candidates and other stakeholders made recommendations to ensure a credible poll in 2027.
