Imo State local government elections scheduled for September 26

The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) has announced that local government elections for 27 chairmanship positions and 305 ward councillorship positions will take place on September 26, 2026. ISIEC Chairman Chief Charles Ejiogu stated that the announcement follows a “360 days’ notice of election” issued on September 18, 2025, in accordance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.

However, the Forum of Political Parties State Chairmen in Imo State has rejected the plan, labeling the two-week notice an illegal “movie script.” The forum accused the commission of attempting to stage a coronation for candidates without providing a proper election timetable or statutory notice for party primaries and nominations.

Opposition leaders have alleged that ISIEC officials backdated documents to fabricate compliance with the law. The forum has pledged to pursue legal action to quash the process and has threatened criminal prosecution against commission officials, asserting that any mandates resulting from the September 26 exercise will be considered null and void.