We Are Ready For LG Elections – Says PDP

The Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed its readiness to contest the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, September 21, across all 27 local councils in the state.

In a press release issued by the party’s publicity secretary, Lancelot Obiaku, the PDP emphasized its commitment to preventing any rigging attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party raised concerns over the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC)’s failure to adhere to its own election guidelines, just days before the scheduled polls. Obiaku condemned this behavior as a possible indication of an underhanded plan by the APC-led government of Governor Hope Uzodinma to manipulate the election.

Obiaku reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to participating in the election but underscored the need for ISIEC to conduct a transparent and credible process in line with established regulations.

Party Chairman, Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, also criticized ISIEC for not publishing voter lists in the wards as mandated by law, instead focusing on demanding questionable fees of N50,000 from councillorship candidates and N200,000 from chairmanship candidates for a supposed validation process.

“We are fully prepared and confident in the widespread support our candidates enjoy. The Uzodinma administration is unpopular, and their fear of losing is apparent,” Nwachukwu said. He also pointed out that ISIEC has not provided updates on key security discussions or the recruitment of neutral election staff, adding further doubt to the transparency of the election.

The PDP has called on the people of Imo and Nigerians to be aware of what they describe as electoral foul play by both the state government and ISIEC. The party warned that rigging tactics will not be tolerated and urged the electoral body to follow its own rules to ensure a free and fair election.

“We insist that the right thing be done, or we risk serious unrest in the state,” the party concluded.