IPAC DG Questions ISIEC’s Preparedness for November 7 Imo LG Election
By Kelechi Ugo
The Director-General of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Imo State chapter, Ichie Levi Ekeh, has expressed doubts about the preparedness of the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) to conduct the proposed November 7, 2026, local government election in the State.
Ekeh, who is also the Imo State Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), questioned the decision to give political parties what he described as inadequate notice for an election that requires several preparatory processes.
Speaking to journalists during a telephone interview, the IPAC Director-General wondered how political parties could adequately prepare for the election when, according to him, the time provided was insufficient for the necessary electoral arrangements.
He noted that conducting an election involved several stages, including the purchase of nomination forms, screening of candidates and other activities that require sufficient time for political parties to comply with electoral guidelines.
Expressing concern over his Party's level of preparedness, Ekeh said it was unfortunate that the Zenith Labour Party is not adequately prepared for the November 7 election, despite its readiness to participate in the 2027 general elections.
He explained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had already undertaken substantial preparatory activities towards the 2027 general elections, stressing that similar attention to electoral planning was necessary for a credible local government election.
According to him, ISIEC had invited political parties to a meeting sometime in September, during which the commission reportedly informed them about a 360-day notice concerning the local government election. He, however, lamented that there had been no sufficient follow-up communication or visible preparatory activities since then.
Ekeh expressed surprise that, despite the earlier communication, the Commission was now expected to conduct the election on November 7, leaving political parties with concerns about their ability to complete the necessary preparations.
“I doubt if ISIEC is prepared for the local government election,” he said.
The IPAC Director-General's concerns highlight the importance of timely communication, adequate preparation and effective engagement between electoral authorities and political parties ahead of local government elections.
As the proposed election date approaches, stakeholders will be keen to see how ISIEC addresses the concerns raised by political parties and clarifies the timetable and arrangements for the exercise.
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