GOV. UZODIMMA LIFTS BAN ON CONDUCT OF TOWN UNION ELECTIONS ACROSS IMO COMMUNITIES. NULLIFIES ALL TOWN UNION BODIES OPERATING UNDER APPOINTMENT STATUS, INSTRUCTS FOR IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT OF EXECUTIVES WITH ELAPSED TENURES….

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
17- JAN- 2026

Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, has approved the immediate resumption of Town Union Government elections in all autonomous communities across the state, effectively bringing to an end the embargo that had stalled the process for some time.

The policy shift signals a renewed commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy and repositioning community administration in line with constitutional and statutory provisions governing Town Unions in Imo State.

Under the directive of the Imo Shared Prosperity Administration, popularly known as the 3R’s Agenda, the Governor has instructed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, headed by Honourable Commissioner Mrs. Rubby Emele, to roll out comprehensive arrangements for the conduct of the elections without delay.

The Governor made this known during a high-level engagement with traditional rulers at the Imo Council of Traditional Rulers’ Palace (Obi Ndi-Eze Imo) on Mbari Street, Ikenegbu, Owerri, on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The announcement was witnessed and confirmed by correspondents who were present at the meeting.

Governor Uzodimma explained that although the activities of Town Union Governments had earlier been placed under restriction, the prevailing need to revive community development structures, promote accountability, and ensure lawful leadership transitions necessitated the lifting of the ban.

He directed that the forthcoming elections must replace all interim or appointed Town Union executives, as well as officials whose tenures have elapsed, stressing that leadership at the community level must emerge strictly through democratic means.

The Governor further emphasized that all autonomous communities are required to conduct their elections in full compliance with their respective Town Union Constitutions and the Imo State Town Union Law, warning against shortcuts or violations of due process.

To ensure credibility and orderliness, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is to work closely with the Ministry of Rural Development and Economic Empowerment, alongside the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Imo State Chapter, in supervising the exercise.

Governor Uzodimma also frowned at the practice where some Local Government Chairmen reportedly appointed President-Generals for Town Unions, describing such actions as unconstitutional and unacceptable. He noted that concerns raised by traditional rulers at the meeting reinforced the need to restore proper democratic procedures at the community level.

Consequently, the Governor declared all Town Union leadership structures that emerged through appointments or elections conducted during the period of embargo as invalid, nullifying their legitimacy.

With the embargo lifted, communities across Imo State are now expected to commence preparations for transparent, credible, and constitutionally guided Town Union elections that will usher in authentic leadership and deepen participatory governance at the grassroots.