FIC Report (Imo State) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified preparations for the 2027 General Elections with a stakeholders’ engagement forum in Imo State, calling on political parties, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations to collaborate in ensuring peaceful, transparent and credible elections.
The one-day forum, held in Owerri, forms part of the Commission’s nationwide efforts to strengthen stakeholder participation and consolidate public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking at the forum, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Imo State, Prof. Sylvia Christopher Ibezimako, stressed that strict compliance with the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC regulations and the Commission’s revised timetable would be critical to the successful conduct of the elections.
She explained that the electoral process extends beyond election day, involving a series of carefully coordinated activities that require the active cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders.
The REC urged political parties to comply with established electoral guidelines to minimise disputes and enhance the credibility of the electoral process. She also called on security agencies to remain professional, impartial and committed to safeguarding electoral personnel, materials and voters, describing effective inter-agency collaboration as essential to peaceful elections.
Prof. Ibezimako further disclosed that INEC has made significant progress in implementing activities outlined in the revised election timetable, including continuous voter education, engagement with political parties, training of election personnel and logistics planning. She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement in electoral service delivery.
Participants at the forum commended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise, while urging INEC to intensify voter education, particularly in rural communities, to encourage greater participation in the electoral process.
They also appealed to political actors to shun violence, embrace issue-based campaigns and support efforts aimed at ensuring that the 2027 General Elections are peaceful, free, fair and credible.
CHIKA ANURUNWA
PIPRO/ANIPR
28/7/2026
