Imo APP Demands Transparency Over Proposed Ideato Collation Centre Relocation

The Imo State chapter of the Action Peoples Party (APP) has raised concerns over the reported plan to relocate the collation centre for the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency from Urualla in Ideato North Local Government Area to Dikenafai in Ideato South.

The party called for transparency, stakeholder consultation and strict adherence to due process before any change is made to the existing electoral arrangement.

In a statement signed by its Imo State Chairman, Ernest Njesi, the APP said any decision affecting the administration of an entire federal constituency should not be taken without clear legal and administrative procedures and adequate explanation to political parties, candidates, traditional institutions, community leaders and voters.

The development comes amid a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the alleged relocation. Concerned residents are seeking to halt the proposed move and have asked the court to scrutinise the circumstances surrounding the decision.

The APP said it was not pre-empting the outcome of the court proceedings but questioned the reported reliance on insecurity as a reason for changing the location.

“If insecurity is being relied upon as the basis for such a significant administrative decision, then the relevant authorities owe the public a clear explanation and verifiable evidence supporting that position,” Njesi said.

He cautioned against what the party described as vague security claims or unexplained administrative actions that could create suspicion and tension among communities in the constituency.

The APP chairman said Ideato North and Ideato South have longstanding social, economic and cultural ties, adding that electoral administration should promote confidence in the process rather than create divisions.

“We cannot allow vague claims or unexplained administrative decisions to become instruments for creating unnecessary tension among our people,” he said.

The party also expressed concern over any possible changes to established electoral arrangements in the Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele Federal Constituency, commonly known as NINN.

The APP urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding any proposed relocation and disclose the legal and administrative basis for such a decision.

It also called for the release of verifiable information on any security assessment being relied upon and consultation with relevant stakeholders before implementing changes that could affect an entire constituency.

INEC’s current public locator lists its Ideato North office at the LGA Secretariat in Urualla and its Ideato South office behind the LGA Secretariat in Dikenafai.

Historical INEC records also identify the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency and list the Ideato North Council Headquarters in Urualla as its collation centre.

The APP further urged electoral authorities to ensure that no political party, candidate or individual gains an undue advantage through administrative decisions.

“Electoral decisions must not become the private affair of a few individuals,” Njesi said, stressing that such decisions directly affect political actors and voters.

The party appealed to residents of Ideato North, Ideato South and the wider federal constituency to remain calm and law-abiding while the matter is addressed through the courts and other lawful institutions.

It said it would continue to advocate transparency, fairness, accountability and peaceful democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.