The Action Peoples Party (APP) in Imo State has raised concerns over the reported relocation of electoral collation centres in parts of the state. In a statement signed by its Imo State Chairman, Hon. Ernest Njesi, the party demanded immediate clarification from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security authorities. The party specifically expressed concern over the reported movement of the collation centre serving the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency and alleged developments affecting the Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele (NINN) Federal Constituency.
The APP described any unilateral or poorly explained alteration to established electoral arrangements as a serious matter requiring urgent public clarification, transparency, and strict compliance with due process. The party warned that decisions capable of affecting an entire federal constituency must not be reduced to the private affairs of a few individuals. Such decisions have direct consequences for political parties, candidates, voters, traditional institutions, Presidents-General, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
According to the party, any significant alteration to electoral arrangements must be subjected to open consultation and lawful administrative procedures. The APP particularly questioned the reported reliance on insecurity as justification for relocating the Ideato collation centre, demanding verifiable evidence from the relevant authorities. The party argued that the people of Ideato North have continued to conduct their social, economic, and civic activities within their communities for generations.
The APP insisted that security concerns, if genuinely established, must be transparently communicated to the affected population. It warned against vague security claims or unexplained administrative decisions capable of fuelling suspicion, mistrust, and tension among neighbouring communities. The party further stressed that Ideato North and Ideato South share longstanding family, commercial, cultural, and institutional relationships, while similar bonds exist among communities within the NINN constituency.
The party cautioned that poorly handled electoral administrative decisions could deepen divisions among communities and undermine public confidence in the electoral process. The APP declared that electoral decisions must not be made by a few individuals, insisting that Imo State requires electoral arrangements capable of strengthening confidence in democratic institutions rather than generating controversy.
The APP called on INEC and the security authorities to publicly disclose the circumstances surrounding any proposed relocation of collation centres and explain the legal and administrative basis for such decisions. The party demanded the release of verifiable information regarding any security assessment being relied upon and urged authorities to consult relevant stakeholders before implementing changes that could substantially affect electoral constituencies.
The party warned that no political party, candidate, or individual should be given an undue advantage through administrative decisions, urging INEC to protect the integrity and credibility of the electoral process. The APP appealed to the authorities to avoid actions capable of triggering unnecessary tension or division among neighbouring communities and urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding.
Key points
- The Action Peoples Party demands clarification from INEC and security authorities over the reported relocation of electoral collation centres in Imo State.
- The party insists that any significant alteration to electoral arrangements must be subjected to open consultation and lawful administrative procedures.
- The APP cautions that poorly handled electoral administrative decisions could deepen divisions among communities and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
