The Labour Party has accused INEC of planning to conduct an election in polling units where no votes will be cast. However, INEC has denied the allegation.

The Labour Party in Imo State has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plans to hold elections in polling units with no voter registration. The Imo Labour Party chairman, Callistus Ihejiagwa, claimed at a news briefing in Owerri on Thursday. INEC designated 38 polling units in Imo with zero voter registration where elections would not take place.

However, Mr Ihejiagwa, who described the affected areas as APC catchment points, alleged that the electoral body was under pressure to conduct an election in those units. He noted that the plan would be a breach of the provisions of the Electoral Act and Electoral Guidelines for INEC to conduct elections in those areas.

The Labour Party leader called on the federal government, security agencies, the international community, and other relevant stakeholders to investigate the allegations to ensure a free and fair electoral process in Imo. In response to the allegations, the INEC Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Emmanuella Ben-Opara, confirmed that the commission would not conduct elections in the 38 polling units with zero registration. She clarified that the election would be held in 4,720 polling units out of 4,758 in Imo State.