On Tuesday, the Imo government reassured the public that the council elections scheduled for September 21 will be conducted in a fair, free, and credible manner. This commitment comes in response to growing concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The government emphasized that there are no plans to manipulate the results or interfere with the election process.
Declan Emelumba, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, addressed journalists in Owerri, outlining the government’s preparations for the upcoming elections. Emelumba’s statements were intended to counteract recent claims made by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has accused the current administration of plotting to rig the polls.
The PDP’s allegations were brought to light by their spokesperson, Lancelot Obiaku. According to Obiaku, there were reports that Governor Hope Uzodimma’s government was involved in smuggling pre-written results to the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC). These accusations have fueled concerns among voters about the fairness of the upcoming elections.
Emelumba responded to these allegations by labeling them as “insulting” and baseless. He criticized the PDP for what he described as an unfounded attempt to discredit the election process before it even takes place. According to Emelumba, the PDP’s claims are a sign of desperation from a party that is struggling to maintain relevance and is, in his view, unlikely to achieve significant success in the elections.
The Commissioner went on to describe the PDP as a “failed party in tatters” that is unprepared for the election. He argued that the party’s current state reflects its inability to effectively campaign or present a viable alternative to the APC. Emelumba suggested that the PDP’s allegations are a strategic move to garner sympathy and shift attention away from their weaknesses.
Emelumba highlighted the strong performance of the APC in previous elections as evidence of its solid position in Imo State. He noted that the APC won in all 27 local government areas during the 2023 governorship election.
This overwhelming victory, he claimed, demonstrates the party’s widespread support and strong organizational structure within the state. He pointed out that despite numerous court challenges, the Supreme Court affirmed Governor Hope Uzodimma’s victory, reinforcing the legitimacy of the APC’s position.
Addressing the concerns about potential interference with ISIEC, Emelumba reassured the public that the Imo government is committed to allowing the electoral body to operate independently and without bias. He argued that any doubts about the credibility of ISIEC are merely tactics employed by the PDP to justify their anticipated loss. According to Emelumba, it is a common pattern for the PDP to raise false alarms about election rigging whenever they face the prospect of defeat.
Emelumba called on the electorate to focus on the positive aspects of the APC’s governance and to support the party in the upcoming elections. He urged voters to disregard the PDP’s claims and to participate actively in the democratic process.
Emelumba stressed that a strong turnout for the APC will ensure continued progress and the delivery of benefits to the people, particularly at the grassroots level. By emphasizing the party’s commitment to fair elections and dismissing the opposition’s claims, the Imo government aims to foster confidence in the electoral process and ensure a successful election outcome.
