Imo LG Polls: We will not tolerate irregularities – Youths warn ISIEC, State govt

Ahead of the Local Council elections in Imo, a youth group in the state has warned the Independent Electoral Commission, ISIEC, that it will not tolerate an election characterized by irregularities.

The group known as National Youth Alliance, NYA, Imo chapter, also told ISIEC and the Imo government that the youths were keenly watching the conduct of the elections.

The group gave the warning after its state executive meeting held in Owerri, noting that it will not tolerate a repeat of irregularities noticed during the House of Assembly and Gubernatorial election in the state.

The state Chairman of the group, Chinonso Uba warned ISIEC not to allow itself to be used by the government of the day to undermine the wishes of Imo citizens noting that such a move would be vehemently resisted by the youths.

He advised the youths to use the opportunity to launch themselves into politics and learn the political process, to pave the way for more participation in politics in 2027.

Uba also commended the Supreme Court for what he described as a landmark judgement on the autonomy of the local governments and for banning Governors from tampering with LG funds.

He described the judgement as a victory for not just democracy but the ordinary man on the streets of Nigeria.

The group expressed happiness for the number of youths who have declared interest in contesting the Chairmanship and Councillorship positions in the forthcoming LGA polls, noting that it is a good development.

The alliance urged young people in Imo to support all youths contesting in the exercise irrespective of any political party and appealed to the governor not to interfere in the primary election of political parties so as not to truncate the credibility of the process.