POLITICS
2027: Imo APP opposes relocation of ldeato North/South collation centre, demands transparency
The Action Peoples Party, APP, Imo State chapter, has raised concerns over the reported plan to relocate the collation centre for the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency from its established location in Urualla, Ideato North Local Government Area, to Dikenafai in Ideato South, demanding transparency and strict adherence to due process.
The party said any alteration to established electoral arrangements must be subjected to clear legal and administrative procedures, adequate stakeholder consultation and publicly verifiable justification.
In a statement signed by its Imo State Chairman, Ernest Njesi, the APP said decisions capable of affecting an entire federal constituency should not be taken unilaterally or without adequate explanation to political parties, candidates, traditional institutions, community leaders and voters.
The development comes amid a legal challenge before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged relocation.
It was reported on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, that residents of the constituency have asked the court to halt the proposed movement and scrutinise the circumstances surrounding the alleged decision.
The APP, while not preempting the outcome of the court proceedings, said the reported use of insecurity as justification for the proposed relocation requires clarification and credible evidence.
“If insecurity is being relied upon as the basis for such a significant administrative decision, then the relevant authorities owe the public a clear explanation and verifiable evidence supporting that position,” Njesi said.
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He cautioned against what the party described as vague security claims or unexplained administrative actions that could generate suspicion and tension among communities in the constituency.
The party further argued that Ideato North and Ideato South have longstanding social, economic and cultural relationships and that electoral administration should strengthen public confidence rather than create divisions among neighbouring communities.
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“We cannot allow vague claims or unexplained administrative decisions to become instruments for creating unnecessary tension among our people,” the APP chairman said.
The party’s concerns also extend to the Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele Federal Constituency, commonly referred to as NINN, where it expressed apprehension over any similar alteration to established electoral arrangements.
The APP consequently urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and relevant security authorities to publicly clarify the circumstances surrounding any proposed relocation of collation centres and disclose the legal and administrative basis for such decisions.
It also called for the release of verifiable information concerning any security assessment being relied upon, as well as consultation with relevant stakeholders before implementing changes capable of substantially affecting an electoral constituency.
The commission’s public locator confirms INEC offices in both Ideato North, at the LGA Secretariat in Urualla, and Ideato South, behind the LGA Secretariat in Dikenafai.
The APP further urged electoral authorities to ensure that no political party, candidate or individual gains undue advantage through administrative decisions, stressing that the integrity and credibility of the electoral process must remain paramount.
According to Njesi, “Electoral decisions must not become the private affair of a few individuals,” adding that such decisions have direct consequences for political actors and ordinary citizens.
The party appealed to residents of Ideato North, Ideato South and the federal constituency to remain calm and law-abiding while the matter is addressed through lawful and democratic institutions.
It said it would continue to advocate transparency, fairness, accountability and peaceful democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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