SDP challenges Imo LG election results, demands cancellation

By Jude Opara

The Imo State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Owerri has adjourned to November 4, 2024, the case filed by Social Democratic Party, SDP, against the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission, (ISIEC), and All Progressives Congress, (APC) over the outcome of the just concluded local council elections in the state.
The case with suit number EPI/IMLG/0/9/24, was filed by the state chairman of the party, Henry Ifeanyi Eluwa, challenging the process that produced the chairmen of local government councils across the state.
In their prayers, the SDP sought for total cancellation of the election results, citing alleged electoral irregularities and malpractices that it claimed marred the polls.
Eluwa further alleged that ISIEC in connivance with the ruling APC in the state failed to comply with the electoral guidelines.
However, at the first hearing of the matter which took place on October 17, 2024, the APC and its candidates were not present in court, forcing the tribunal to adjourne the matter to November 4, 2024.
The major LGAs listed in the petition include Ezinihitte, Owerri Municipal, Obowo, Ngor-Okpala among others.
The SDP also demanded that the ISIEC chairman, Charles Ejiogu, should explain to the electorate how results were able to emanate from local government areas where the Commission said elections will not hold as a result of insecurity.
The SDP chairman reiterated that the party will not relent in its commitment to good governance, social justice and electoral reform.
He further pointed out that the state electoral commission disregarded the electoral guidelines it issued to political parties and the general public for the conduct of the election.