INEC SCHEDULES JANUARY 25 FOR RERUN IN ONE STATE AND TWO FEDERAL CONSTITUENCIES IN IMO

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will maintain neutrality in the conduct of supplementary and rerun parliamentary elections scheduled to hold in Imo State on January 25, 2020.

Resident Electoral Commissioner in the State, Professor Francis Ezeonu, gave the assurance in Owerri during a meeting with stakeholders in the election.

He said supplementary elections would take place in Orlu Local Government Area for Orlu/Orsu and Oru East Federal Constituency while similar exercise would hold in twelve polling units in Njaba state constituency as directed by Appeal Court.

Professor Ezeonu explained that there would be a rerun election for Okigwe/Onuimo and Isiala Mbano Federal Constituency to fill the vacuum created by an Appeal Court ruling invalidating the election of Chief Obinna Onwubuariri of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

He appealed to politicians to play according to the rules, noting that the commission would adopt the procedures used in conducting 2019 general election.
                               
The Chairman Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Imo State, Mr. Benneth Duru, expressed confidence in the ability of the commission to conduct credible election and called on security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities during the outing.

Others who spoke at the meeting expressed willingness to participate but called on INEC to avoid a repeat of past mistakes.

The meeting was attended by chairmen of political parties, security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in election.          

CHINAZO ILECHUKWU