-Engages Stakeholders In Imo
By Dorcas Achi
The Peering Advocacy And Advancement Centre In Africa (PAACA), a civil society organization, convened a stakeholders’ forum in Imo State ahead of the 2027 general elections on July 23rd, 2025. The meeting, which drew participants from diverse backgrounds, aimed to discuss electoral reforms and promote free, credible, and accountable elections in the country.
PAACA Executive Director, Ezenwa Nwankwo, explained that the Citizens Dialogue aimed to achieve three key objectives: enhancing public awareness and understanding of electoral reforms, fostering inclusive discussions among citizens from diverse backgrounds on electoral reform and constitutional amendments, and compiling citizen-driven recommendations for submission to the National Assembly and INEC.”
Nwankwo disclosed that Imo State marks the 17th state where PAACA has organized the town hall meeting to popularize the Electoral Act and gather citizens’ input. Based on his extensive travels, he noted that a major challenge in Nigeria’s electoral process is the public’s limited understanding of the electoral laws, processes and tools. He emphasized that many citizens are unfamiliar with INEC guidelines and the Nigerian Constitution, leading to uninformed discussions about elections.
Nwankwo expressed optimism that the initiative would boost public knowledge of electoral innovations and improvements ahead of the 2027 elections and subsequent elections. He stated, “When electorates are informed, politicians can no longer manipulate them with misleading talking points.” He added that PAACA’s effort aims to simplify the electoral process, expose relevant laws, and curb electoral manipulations.
Stella-Maris Oparaugo, State Director of the National Orientation Agency in Imo State, echoed the concern that many Nigerians are unaware of key electoral reforms. She pledged that her office would step up efforts to educate citizens about their voting power, emphasizing that the real power lies with the people, not INEC. “The polling unit is where change happens,” she stressed.”
DSP Henry Okorie, Police Public Relations Officer of Imo State Police Command, representing CP Aboki Danjuma, assured that the police are committed to providing a secure environment for citizens to exercise their franchise. He emphasized the police’s dedication to ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for free, fair, and credible elections. Okorie thanked PAACA for engaging stakeholders, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations to promote peaceful elections. He added that police personnel have been trained on the Electoral Act and are equipped to uphold accountability, transparency, and integrity during the electoral process.
His Royal Majesty Eze Dr. Matthew Chiedozie Nwokeoma, traditional ruler of Umuokanne Ancient Kingdom and Chairman of Security, Peace, and Conflict Resolution Committee in Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, emphasized that traditional rulers’ active involvement is crucial for effective electoral reform. He noted that as custodians of their communities, they are well-positioned to manage crises and ensure peaceful elections. Eze Nwokeoma stressed that traditional rulers should not be compromised, hence can provide truthful information about elections if they are actively involved. He advocated for honest INEC officials and also emphasized the need for the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to function effectively, stating that its success is key to transparent elections in 2027.
Barr. Ndidi Anike Val-Ukaoma, a legal practitioner and human rights activist, emphasized the need to adhere to the law governing elections. She noted that electorates’ discontent stems from disparities and urged INEC and relevant agencies to listen to the people’s voices in this democratic setting. Val-Ukaoma stressed that having men of integrity in key positions is crucial for electoral reform, adding that the selection of the right people should be the starting point for meaningful chang
