By Emeka Amaefula
IDTU POLL POSTPONED TO 11TH APRIL 2026 AS COMMISSIONER CITES EASTER SATURDAY CONFLICT
In a decisive move to ensure full government participation and a hitch-free process, the Imo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief (Ms.) Ruby Emele, has officially rescheduled the election of the Executive Council of the Iho Dimeze Town Union (IDTU).
The poll, which was originally scheduled for Saturday, 4th April 2026, has now been shifted to Saturday, 11th April 2026. The change became necessary because the initial date falls on Holy Saturday (Easter Saturday), a major Christian observance that would have hindered the active involvement of government officials serving as election supervisors.
To uphold due process and secure broad consensus, the Commissioner convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting involving key figures from the Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
In attendance were the Chairman of Ikeduru Local Government Council, Professor Anderson Chidi Amadioha(Chairman of the IDTU Electoral Committee) and members of his team, as well as the custodian of the Iho Dimeze Ancient Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) Martin Chieze Amaku JP, Dimeze II of Iho Dimeze Ancient Kingdom. The traditional ruler is empowered under the IDTU Constitution (2005 as amended) to play a supervisory role in maintaining peace and tranquility in his domain.
After thorough deliberations, officials of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in consultation with all stakeholders, unanimously agreed on the new date.
Professor Anderson Chidi Amadioha, Chairman of the IDTU Electoral Committee, issued the following official update:
“In view of the Easter break, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has postponed the IDTU election slated to hold on Saturday 4th April to Saturday 11th of April 2026. Any arising inconvenience is regretted. Together we must stand to make Iho Dimeze better in our time to the glory of God.”
Government machinery is now on full alert to ensure a credible, peaceful, and properly supervised election. This development aligns with the Imo State Government’s commitment, under the leadership of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo State, to build strong grassroots institutions that will drive sustainable development to the people.
In a statement from the Palace of Dimeze II, all stakeholders of the Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community, including probable contestants, have been strongly urged to comply with the wishes of the Imo State Government. The Palace called for continued peace, orderliness, and strict adherence to the provisions of the IDTU Constitution to guarantee a successful and legitimate outcome on Saturday, 11th April 2026.
The rescheduling is seen as a positive step that demonstrates the state government’s dedication to inclusive and credible community governance across Imo State.
Emeka Amaefula
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