Controversy erupts as Labour Party claims INEC plot to hold elections in ‘Zero Polling Units’

The Imo State chapter of the Labour Party has raised concerns about an alleged plan by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the November 11 election in polling units with zero registered voters. INEC had designated 38 such “zero polling units” in Imo where elections were not expected to take place.

Callistus Ihejiagwa, the Chairman of the Imo Labour Party, expressed his apprehensions during a press briefing in Owerri, emphasizing that the areas affected were considered strongholds of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He alleged that INEC was facing pressure to proceed with elections in these units, which, according to him, would be a violation of the Electoral Act and Electoral Guidelines.

Mr. Ihejiagwa stated, “We have it on good authority that contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act and Electoral Guidelines, APC, in collaboration with INEC, has perfected plans to conduct elections at non-INEC designated election venues and flashpoints in Orsu and some parts of Orlu LGAs. The plan is to hide under the present state of insecurity to have elections in areas affected by violence and APC’s choice locations.”

In response to these allegations, the INEC Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Emmanuella Ben-Opara, clarified that the commission had no intention of conducting elections in the 38 polling units with zero registered voters. She confirmed that out of the 4,758 polling units in Imo, elections would be held in 4,720, with the remaining 38 being exempt from the electoral process.

The controversy highlights the need for transparency and adherence to electoral regulations as Imo State prepares for its upcoming election.

Credit: NAN