Governor Uzodimma: Town Unions Must Conduct Their Own Elections Without Interference from Traditional Rulers

Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has approved the immediate resumption of Town Union Government elections in all autonomous communities across the state, bringing to an end the embargo that had previously halted the process.

The decision is widely seen as a significant step toward strengthening grassroots democracy and restoring effective community governance in line with constitutional and statutory provisions guiding Town Unions in Imo State.

Under the directive of the Imo Shared Prosperity Administration, popularly known as the 3R’s Agenda, the Governor has mandated the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, led by Honourable Commissioner Rubby Emele, to commence immediate preparations for the conduct of the elections.

Governor Uzodimma made the announcement during a high-level meeting with traditional rulers at the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers palace (Obi Ndi-Eze Imo) located at Ikenegbu on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The development was confirmed by journalists who were present during the engagement.

According to the Governor, while Town Union activities had earlier been placed under restrictions, the growing need to revive community development structures, promote accountability, and ensure legitimate leadership transitions made it necessary to lift the ban.

He directed that the forthcoming elections should replace all interim or caretaker Town Union executives as well as office holders whose tenures have expired. He stressed that leadership at the community level must emerge strictly through democratic processes.

Governor Uzodimma further emphasized that all autonomous communities must conduct their elections in full compliance with their respective Town Union constitutions and the Imo State Town Union Law, cautioning against any form of irregularities or violations of due process.

He also made it clear that the elections must be organized strictly by the Town Unions themselves, without interference from traditional rulers, in order to safeguard fairness, independence, and respect for community autonomy.

To ensure transparency and proper coordination, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will collaborate with the Ministry of Rural Development and Economic Empowerment as well as the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Imo State Chapter, in supervising the electoral process.

With the embargo now lifted, communities across Imo State are expected to begin preparations for transparent, credible, and constitutionally guided Town Union elections aimed at producing legitimate leadership and strengthening participatory governance at the grassroots level.