Residents Challenge INEC's Collation Centre Move in Imo

The Federal High Court in Abuja has begun proceedings on a suit filed by Chief Chinaemerem Udorji and Faith Umeh, residents of Ideato Federal Constituency, Imo State. They are challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) over an alleged plan to relocate the constituency's collation centre from Urualla in Ideato North Local Government Area to Dikenafai in Ideato South Local Government Area ahead of the 2027 general election.

The plaintiffs argue that the relocation is being pursued without adequate consultation with stakeholders and is based on a questionable security report. They claim that INEC officials did not engage with local stakeholders and relied on information from partisan actors.

The plaintiffs became aware of the relocation plan on September 21, 2026, and are seeking judicial scrutiny of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Imo State, Isa Magaji, and other INEC officials. They are asking the court to prevent INEC from implementing the relocation until the substantive issues are resolved.