INEC Rejects Proposal To Relocate Ideato Fed Constituency Hqtrs
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declined the request to relocate the Ideato Federal constituency’s collation centre from Urualla to Dikenafai.
This decision was made during a meeting held on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The electoral commission evaluated and subsequently rejected the suggestion to transfer the Ideato Federal Constituency collation centre from Urualla, situated in Ideato North Local Government Area, to Dikenafai in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State.
Consequently, INEC has resolved to retain Urualla as the designated collation centre.
This decision follows significant opposition to the proposed relocation, which raised concerns among residents and stakeholders, leading to legal actions aimed at preventing the move.
In response, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the representative for Ideato North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, praised INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, and the Commission’s Federal Commissioners for their decision to reject the recommendation.
Ugochinyere characterized the decision as a testament to institutional independence and adherence to due process, asserting that it has restored confidence among constituents and demonstrated that contentious electoral issues can undergo appropriate institutional scrutiny.
“I commend Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, and the Federal Commissioners of INEC for this significant decision. It reflects that the reforms under the current leadership of INEC are beginning to restore confidence in the electoral process,” he stated.
The lawmaker emphasized that the people of Ideato are entitled to an electoral system where decisions affecting them are made transparently, equitably, and in accordance with established protocols.
“The decision to uphold the existing arrangement is a commendable demonstration of institutional responsibility,” he added.
Ugochinyere insisted that this development should not be viewed as a victory for any individual, political party, or group, but rather as a matter pertaining to the integrity of the electoral process and public confidence in INEC.
“This is not about a victory for one individual, political party, or group. It concerns the integrity of our electoral system and the trust of citizens in the institution responsible for conducting our elections,” he remarked.
He urged political actors and stakeholders to respect the Commission’s decision and allow INEC to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities without undue interference.
Urualla will continue to serve as the collation centre under the current arrangement, thereby concluding, for the time being, a controversy that has elicited strong reactions throughout the Ideato Federal Constituency.
