The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ugochinyere, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its decision to halt the proposed relocation of the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency headquarters and collation centre from Urualla to Dikenafai in Imo State. This decision was made on September 25, 2026, and has reinforced Ugochinyere's confidence in the leadership of INEC under its Chairman, Prof. Joas Amupitan, and the Federal Commissioners.
According to Ugochinyere, INEC subjected the proposed relocation to internal consultations, engagement, and verification before deciding to halt the move. This demonstrates that the Commission is prepared to listen to stakeholders and protect the integrity of its electoral processes. Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato Federal Constituency in the House, described the development as evidence of institutional due process, stakeholder engagement, and consideration of public interest in the Commission's decision-making process.
Ugochinyere, also the Caucus Leader of the opposition Action Peoples Party (APP), stated that the decision has further strengthened his confidence in the capacity of the current INEC leadership to promote fairness, transparency, neutrality, and credibility in the electoral process. He commended the people of Ideato and other stakeholders who expressed their concerns through peaceful means during the period of uncertainty over the proposed relocation.
However, Ugochinyere urged traditional rulers, President-Generals, youths, political parties, religious leaders, and other community stakeholders to use the development as an opportunity to end disagreements and restore peace in the constituency. He appealed to all parties involved in the dispute to forgive one another and place the collective interest of Ideato above individual and political differences.
Ugochinyere proposed a peaceful rally by stakeholders in the constituency to reaffirm their confidence in INEC and promote unity among the people. The gathering would provide an opportunity for the people of Ideato to appreciate the Commission's decision while demonstrating that disagreements over public issues could be resolved through dialogue, institutional processes, and peaceful engagement.
The lawmaker expressed confidence that the Commission, under Amupitan and its Federal Commissioners, would continue to uphold independence, fairness, transparency, and neutrality in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities. He urged the people of Ideato to continue to support the current INEC leadership as it pursues reforms aimed at strengthening public confidence in the electoral system.
Ugochinyere emphasized that credible elections can only be achieved when citizens and stakeholders support institutions responsible for conducting elections while holding them accountable through lawful and democratic means. He urged the people of Ideato to publicly continue to support and have confidence in the present INEC leadership, led by Prof. Amupitan and his Federal Commissioners.
Key points
- Ugochinyere commends INEC for halting the relocation of Ideato North/South Federal Constituency headquarters and collation centre.
- The decision demonstrates INEC's commitment to due process, stakeholder engagement, and public interest.
- Ugochinyere urges stakeholders to end disagreements and restore peace in the constituency.
