2027 Elections: INEC Seeks Stakeholders’ Support For Credible Polls In Imo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections with a stakeholders’ forum in Imo State, calling on political parties, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations to work together to ensure peaceful, credible and transparent elections.

Speaking at the one-day forum in Owerri, the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Christopher Ibezimako, said compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC regulations and the revised timetable for the elections would be critical to the success of the electoral process.

He stressed that elections are not limited to polling day but involve a series of carefully planned activities that require the commitment of all stakeholders.

Ibezimako urged political parties to comply with the electoral guidelines to minimise disputes and strengthen public confidence in the process.

He also appealed to security agencies to remain neutral and professional in protecting electoral personnel, materials and voters throughout the elections, describing inter-agency collaboration as essential to peaceful polls.

The REC said INEC had made significant progress in implementing activities contained in the revised election timetable, including voter education, engagement with political parties, training of election personnel and logistics planning, assuring stakeholders of the commission’s commitment to transparency and improved service delivery.

Participants at the forum commended the ongoing voter registration and Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise but urged the commission to intensify voter education, particularly in rural communities, to encourage greater participation.

They also appealed to political actors to shun violence, embrace issue-based campaigns and support efforts aimed at ensuring the 2027 general elections are peaceful, free, fair and credible.