The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Edozie Njoku, has requested additional time from the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) for candidate submissions ahead of the local government elections on September 21, 2024.

APGA Seeks Extension from Imo ISIEC

In a move to ensure adequate preparation for the upcoming local government elections in Imo State, APGA National Chairman Edozie Njoku has appealed to the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) for an extension of the candidate submission deadline. The plea was made during a visit to the ISIEC office in Owerri, led by the party’s National Secretary, Muyideen Imam.

Furthermore, Njoku expressed gratitude to the executive governor of the state, Hope Uzodimma, for facilitating the local government elections, emphasizing the importance of the democratic process. “We visited ISIEC to express our appreciation to the governor for the planned local government election. This is a crucial step forward,” Njoku stated.

Highlighting the party’s readiness to participate, he said, “We have notified the commission of our determination to take part in the elections. Given the tight schedule, we have requested an extension to finalize our candidate list. The commission has graciously considered our application.”

ISIEC’s Response and Assurance

However, in response to APGA’s request, ISIEC Chairman Charles Ejiogu acknowledged that similar requests had been made by other political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). During the last inter-party advisory stakeholders meeting, the commission had agreed to extend deadlines.

“We have granted APGA an additional seven days to finalize their preparations,” Ejiogu confirmed. “This decision is to ensure a smooth process without disrupting our guidelines and timetable. We are fully prepared to conduct a fair and transparent election, offering a level playing ground to all registered political parties.”

Ensuring Fair Electoral Process

Moreover, the extension granted to APGA underscores the commitment of ISIEC to uphold democratic principles and ensure that all parties have adequate time to prepare. In addition, this decision aims to foster a competitive and inclusive electoral environment, crucial for the legitimacy of the local government elections.

The upcoming election is seen as pivotal for local governance in Imo State. Furthermore, as political parties gear up for the elections, the focus remains on ensuring that the process is free, fair, and reflective of the people’s will.

Source: Vanguard