The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) has fixed Saturday, November 7, 2026, as the new date for the conduct of local government elections across the state.
The commission announced the revised date in a statement signed by its Chairman, Chief Charles Ejiogu, following the postponement of the elections originally scheduled for September 26. ISIEC said the decision followed consultations with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Imo State chapter.
According to the commission, an expanded stakeholders’ meeting will be convened ahead of the election to present the amended timetable and electoral guidelines arising from the postponement. ISIEC also apologised to political parties, candidates, stakeholders and residents for the disruption caused by the earlier postponement.
The November 7 poll is expected to cover elections for chairmen and councillors across Imo State’s 27 local government areas. The commission said it remains committed to conducting a peaceful, transparent and credible election.
The rescheduling comes against the backdrop of legal challenges to the earlier electoral process. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and other political actors had approached the court over aspects of the election, including the notice and timetable issued by INEC. The legal proceedings remain pending, with the substantive case adjourned to October 30.
The development is significant because the new date places renewed focus on the electoral timetable, political party preparations and the resolution of outstanding legal issues before voting begins.
Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodimma has directed the outgoing local government chairmen, whose tenure expired on September 30, to hand over council administration and property to their respective directors of administration. The governor also advised former chairmen seeking to return to office to pursue their campaigns in accordance with ISIEC guidelines.
The rescheduled Imo local government election will therefore be closely watched by political parties, civil society groups and residents as the state prepares for a fresh contest following the September postponement.
