INEC holds 2027 election stakeholders’ meeting in Imo
- Calls for cooperation among political parties
By Amarachi Igboanusi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, and other key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and strictly adhere to the revised electoral timetable to ensure free, fair, and credible 2027 General Elections.
The appeal was made by the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Chukwuemeka C. Ibeziako, during the 2027 General Elections Stakeholders’ Forum held on Thursday at Rockview Hotel, Owerri.
Ibeziako said credible elections require the collective commitment of all stakeholders, stressing that although INEC is constitutionally mandated to conduct elections, the success and integrity of the electoral process depend on the active participation of political actors, institutions, and citizens.
According to him, the forum was convened to assess progress on the implementation of the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, identify emerging challenges, and strengthen partnerships ahead of the polls. He also conveyed the goodwill of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Josiah Ojo Amupitan, SAN, and appreciated participants for attending despite the short notice.
The REC urged stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the electoral timetable and comply strictly with its timelines, noting that elections are a continuous process rather than isolated events. He explained that the electoral process comprises a series of carefully planned activities that begin long before polling day.
He further disclosed that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Contributions were also made by Eze Marcel Uzuegbu, representing the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Ndieze; the APC State Chairman, Chief Austin Onyedebelu; the APP State Chairman, Hon. Ernest Njesi; the YPP State Chairman, Mr. Michael Anyanwu; the Executive Director of Open Arms Initiative for Sustainable Development (OPAISD), Mrs. Okeiyi Juliet; the Secretary of the Imo Council of Town Union President-Generals, Nzeribe Placidus Eberendu; and the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Imo State Chapter, Barr. Chidumem Ekweke, among other participants.
During the interactive session, stakeholders raised concerns over voter registration, the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and sought assurances that every legitimate vote would count in the 2027 elections.
Speaking with journalists after the forum, Ibeziako expressed concern over the large number of uncollected PVCs lying in INEC offices across the state’s local government areas. He attributed the situation partly to the financial constraints faced by some registered voters and called on political parties, the media, and other stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on the importance of collecting PVCs.
He assured that INEC, through its Voter Education and Publicity Department, would strengthen voter sensitisation efforts, stressing that possession of a PVC remains a mandatory requirement for accreditation and voting on election day.
On leadership disputes within political parties, the REC reminded party officials that INEC recognises only duly authenticated party leadership reflected in its official records. He urged political parties to promptly communicate any legitimate changes in their leadership or organisational structure to the Commission.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to conducting credible elections, Ibeziako described the voters’ register as the foundation of the electoral process and called on all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law, patriotism, and due process in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
He commended participants for their impressive turnout, describing their attendance as a demonstration of their commitment to credible elections and the continued consolidation of democratic governance in the country.
