APC Questions Imo Council Poll Suspension, Demands Uzodimma Explanation

• The APC South East Integrity Movement has questioned Governor Hope Uzodimma's indefinite suspension of local government elections in Imo State.
• The group demanded an explanation for the postponement, especially after election preparations were reportedly complete.
• They cited a July 2024 Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, advocating for elected officials to manage funds instead of caretaker arrangements.
• The movement warned against anti-party activities by APC members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
• They urged the APC national leadership to investigate the situation to protect the party's interests and ensure consistent application of autonomy principles.

The APC questions Imo council poll suspension, highlighting the abrupt nature of the decision after arrangements were finalized.

The APC South East Integrity Movement has publicly challenged Governor Hope Uzodimma regarding the indefinite suspension of local government elections in Imo State. In a statement released from Enugu on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and signed by Chijioke Afamefuna, the group expressed significant concern over the decision, particularly given that all preparations for the electoral exercise were reportedly complete. The movement demanded a clear explanation for why the polls were halted at such an advanced stage without what it considered a satisfactory justification.

This development has led to calls for the governor to clarify the specific circumstances that necessitated the postponement. The APC questions Imo council poll suspension, highlighting the abrupt nature of the decision after arrangements were finalized. The group also issued a stern warning against any actions by party members that could be construed as anti-party activities, especially with the 2027 general elections on the horizon.

Central to the group's concerns is the broader issue of local government autonomy, referencing a critical July 2024 judgment by the Nigeria Supreme Court local government autonomy. The APC South East Integrity Movement appealed to several federal entities, including the Federal Government, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission. Their plea is to ensure that funds designated for local governments are managed strictly in accordance with the Supreme Court's ruling, which emphasizes the role of elected council administrations.

The group explicitly argued against the practice of channeling local government allocations through caretaker arrangements, insisting that only duly elected council officials should oversee these funds. This stance underscores a commitment to the principles of local governance enshrined by the judiciary. They further pointed to the dispute in Osun State concerning local government administration and statutory allocations, which arose following the February 2025 council elections and subsequent legal proceedings, as a precedent for the need for consistent application of autonomy principles.

Beyond the immediate issue of the Governor Hope Uzodimma election postponement, the APC South East Integrity Movement voiced apprehension about the potential impact on the All Progressives Congress's political structures within Imo State. The group underscored the importance of maintaining party cohesion and strength as the 2027 elections approach. They urged the APC national leadership to launch an investigation into the matter to safeguard the party's interests in the state.

The statement made it clear that the party would not tolerate any actions from its members that could weaken its electoral prospects or inadvertently bolster opposition parties. Members were reminded of their obligation to remain steadfast in their commitment to the party's decisions and overarching objectives. The movement called for the APC to consistently uphold its position on local government autonomy across all states, regardless of the political party in power, thereby ensuring a unified and principled approach to governance.

Lawyers advising state governments, local government entities, or political parties should closely monitor the legal challenges and implications arising from the indefinite suspension of Imo State local government elections, especially concerning the Supreme Court's July 2024 judgment on local government autonomy and its impact on the administration of local government funds and the legitimacy of caretaker arrangements.

Source: Original reporting via Vanguard.