The Forum of Political Parties State Chairmen in Imo State has rejected the proposed local government election, faulting the short notice given to political parties and threatening legal action to stop the exercise.

In a statement signed by its Coordinating Secretary, Hon. Uzor Agaptus, the forum alleged that parties were given only about two weeks’ notice of the proposed poll, describing the arrangement as inadequate for a credible and transparent election.

The parties questioned how the election could be conducted without a clearly published timetable detailing critical stages of the process, including nomination, screening, campaigns and polling.

According to the forum, political parties in the state were not adequately served with the statutory notice required to prepare candidates and mobilise for the election.

The group therefore described the proposed poll as irregular, insisting that no political party should be compelled to participate in an exercise that, in its view, had not complied with applicable electoral procedures.

“How do you conduct an election without a timetable, no notice, and no information to any single political party?” the forum asked.

The parties also alleged that the authorities appeared to be relying on a purported earlier notice, but insisted that they were not aware of any valid notice capable of providing the legal basis for the proposed election.

The forum said the short notice had created uncertainty among political parties and prospective candidates, who, it maintained, needed sufficient time to organise, nominate candidates and meet other electoral requirements.

It consequently declared that the proposed exercise would be challenged in court, with individual political parties expected to pursue appropriate legal remedies against the process.

The parties further threatened to challenge any result produced from the election if it proceeded despite their objections, arguing that questions over the legality of the process could ultimately affect the validity of its outcome.

The forum said its concerns were rooted in the need to prevent another controversial electoral process in Imo State, alleging that previous political developments had raised questions about the conduct of elections in the state.

It specifically cited what it described as the alleged imposition of some members of the House of Assembly and local government officials, arguing that local government elections should allow citizens to freely choose their representatives.

The parties called for full compliance with the relevant laws governing local government elections, including adequate notice to political parties and publication of a comprehensive electoral timetable.

They also demanded equal opportunity for all registered political parties to nominate candidates, campaign and participate in the election, warning that proceeding without addressing their concerns could trigger prolonged litigation and cast doubt on the legitimacy of the eventual winners.

The forum therefore urged the authorities to suspend the proposed exercise, consult the political parties and publish a transparent timetable before fixing a fresh election date, insisting that Imo could not afford another disputed electoral process.