The Action Peoples Party (APP), Imo State Chapter, has raised the alarm over the reported relocation of electoral collation centres in parts of the state, demanding immediate clarification from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security authorities.
The party, in a statement today signed by its Imo State Chairman, Hon. Ernest Njesi, specifically expressed concern over the reported movement of the collation centre serving the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency, as well as alleged developments affecting the Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele (NINN) Federal Constituency.
APP described any unilateral or poorly explained alteration to established electoral arrangements as a serious matter requiring urgent public clarification, transparency and strict compliance with due process, reports Daily Independent.
The party warned that decisions capable of affecting an entire federal constituency must not be reduced to the private affairs of a few individuals, stressing that such decisions have direct consequences for political parties, candidates, voters, traditional institutions, Presidents-General, community leaders and other stakeholders.
According to the party, any significant alteration to electoral arrangements must be subjected to open consultation and lawful administrative procedures.
APP particularly questioned the reported reliance on insecurity as justification for relocating the Ideato collation centre, demanding verifiable evidence from the relevant authorities.
The party argued that the people of Ideato North have continued to conduct their social, economic and civic activities within their communities for generations, insisting that security concerns, if genuinely established, must be transparently communicated to the affected population.
It warned against what it described as vague security claims or unexplained administrative decisions capable of fuelling suspicion, mistrust and tension among neighbouring communities.
The party further stressed that Ideato North and Ideato South share longstanding family, commercial, cultural and institutional relationships, while similar bonds exist among communities within the NINN constituency.
APP cautioned that poorly handled electoral administrative decisions could deepen divisions among communities and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“Electoral decisions must not be made by a few individuals,” the party declared, insisting that Imo State requires electoral arrangements capable of strengthening confidence in democratic institutions rather than generating controversy.
The party consequently called on INEC and the security authorities to publicly disclose the circumstances surrounding any proposed relocation of collation centres and explain the legal and administrative basis for such decisions.
It also demanded the release of verifiable information regarding any security assessment being relied upon, while urging authorities to consult relevant stakeholders before implementing changes that could substantially affect electoral constituencies.
APP further warned that no political party, candidate or individual should be given an undue advantage through administrative decisions, urging INEC to protect the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
The party also appealed to the authorities to avoid actions capable of triggering unnecessary tension or division among neighbouring communities.
APP said it would continue to advocate transparency, fairness, accountability and peaceful democratic participation.
The party urged residents of Ideato North, Ideato South, Nkwerre, Isu, Nwangele and Njaba to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, stressing that disputes over electoral administration should be addressed through lawful institutions and established democratic processes rather than confrontation or communal division.
