Stakeholders in Imo State have urged the Federal Government to establish a separate electoral body to oversee local government elections, citing concerns that governors have seized control of local government funds.
This call was made during a town hall meeting in Owerri, organized by SOS Children’s Villages with support from the European Union.
Eze George Nwosu, the traditional ruler of Umuekwure in Ngor Okpala council area, criticized the weakness of Nigeria's electoral institutions, stating, “There is a need to reform institutions in Nigeria and give them teeth to bite.” He emphasized that strengthening electoral bodies is essential to ensure accountability and prevent manipulation.
Sheikh Suleiman Yusuf Njoku, the Chief Imam of Imo State, described the current state of the electoral process as “unfortunate,” lamenting that Nigeria has deviated from its former values.
He urged for a shift away from materialism that leads to political corruption.
Ichie Levi Ekeh, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Imo State, echoed these sentiments, arguing that to improve the system, accountability for electoral offenders must be prioritized.
He called for adherence to electoral guidelines and highlighted the need for an independent body to conduct local elections, asserting that current practices favor specific political interests.
