A group by the name Ideato Rebirth Movement has declared the Ideato Federal Constituency seat vacant, expressing its readiness to send the current occupant of the seat packing.

In a terse press statement issued from its media office signed by media assistant to the DG, Comrade Chijioke Emenike, the group praised past representatives of the constituency, arguing that the federal constituency has had a fair share of decent representation until the election of Ugochinyere Ikagwuonu, whom they described as a “rabble-rouser and wheelie dealer.”

An excerpt from the statement reads: “Ideato Federal Constituency has had a fair share of decent representation until recently, when a rabble-rouser and wheelie dealer was smuggled into the Green Chambers of the National Assembly on behalf of Ideato people, even though thousands of qualified Ideato electorate were disenfranchised, and his nomination for the position remains questionable. As the 2027 general elections draw closer, Ndi Ideato shall take back their mandate by electing an individual who shall represent the interests of Ndi Ideato, rather than his own personal and narrow interests.”

The group also declared that “Ideato is not for sale,” expressing displeasure with the attitude of some politicians who only remember the people when elections are close by.

“Ideato people are not for sale. We shall no longer allow our people to be disrespected through cheap handouts whenever elections are around the corner. Those who only remember our people during election seasons are not going to get our votes in the coming election.”

The statement revealed that the group shall soon unveil a credible candidate who shall not only represent the people effectively but shall also treat them with respect, rather than as commodities that can be bought during elections and discarded after victory has been secured.

“In due time, we shall unveil, after due consultations and with the approval of our leader, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, and the APC leadership, a credible, humane and experienced candidate who shall restore the dignity of Ideato nation as a representative of our people.”

Owerri, Imo State – His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, will unveil the 2026 Budget Estimates to the Imo State House of Assembly on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM.

In line with tradition, the budget presentation will spotlight the administration’s achievements over the past fiscal years and chart the roadmap for the coming year.

Date: Monday, December 22, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Venue: Imo State House of Assembly

The event is open to esteemed Imo Leaders, Religious Leaders, Traditional Rulers, and all stakeholders. Arrangements have been finalized to ensure a seamless experience for attendees.

Signed,
Hon. Declan Emelumba
Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has criticized the House of Representatives for failing to criminalize vote-buying at party primaries, calling it a “setback for Nigeria’s democracy”.

Obi argues that allowing vote-buying to persist undermines internal democracy and weakens the credibility of elections. “By refusing to criminalize vote-buying at the foundational stage of party primaries, the House has chosen to protect a broken system rather than safeguard the nation’s future,” he stated.

Obi emphasized that credible elections cannot be built on corrupt foundations and national progress cannot be achieved while inducement and bribery are legitimized in the democratic process.

He expressed concern that the culture of vote-buying has trickled down to town unions, village associations, clubs, and even student elections, with these groups emulating fraudulent politicians.

The House of Representatives had rejected a proposal to criminalize the inducement of voters during party primaries, citing concerns that such provisions could be abused to harass political opponents.

Obi’s criticism adds to growing pressure on Nigerian lawmakers to demonstrate commitment to electoral integrity.