From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) has announced Saturday, November 14, 2026, as the new date for the conduct of local government council elections in the state.
This is contained in a press statement dated Monday, November 2, 2026, issued and endorsed by the Chairman of ISIEC, Chief Charles Ejiogu, JP, with the caption, “New Date for the Postponed 2026 Local Government Council Elections,” and made available to journalists in Owerri, including The Authority.
It would be recalled that ISIEC last weekend convened a stakeholders’ meeting at a prestigious hotel in Owerri, where it was resolved that the local government elections earlier scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, would no longer be feasible due to unforeseen circumstances.
At the meeting, the Commission and stakeholders agreed to postpone the elections for the 27 local government area chairmen and 305 councillors indefinitely, while ISIEC assured the people of the state that a new date would be announced soon.
According to the Commission, the latest decision followed the October 31, 2026, stakeholders’ meeting held at Rockview Hotels, Owerri, where representatives of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and registered political parties collectively urged the Commission to announce a new election date within the shortest possible time.
The statement explained that, in furtherance of its commitment to conducting peaceful, transparent and credible local government council elections, the Commission had consulted widely and resolved as follows:
“That the election of 27 LGA Chairmen and 305 Councillors has been rescheduled to hold on Saturday, November 14, 2026, having considered the earlier slated November 7, 2026, as unrealistic.”
The Commission further directed the leadership of registered political parties to visit its headquarters at No. 21 Orlu Road, Owerri, for the collection of the election timetable and guidelines.
It also stated: “that in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, as altered, the Commission hereby informs the political parties of its readiness to observe their respective primary elections for both the Chairmanship and Councillorship aspirants.”
ISIEC reiterated its commitment to providing a level playing field for all registered political parties and their respective aspirants, with a view to ensuring the emergence of democratically elected council administrations at the grassroots.
The Commission also solicited the understanding, support and cooperation of all critical stakeholders towards the successful conduct of the November 14 local government elections.
