IHO DIMEZE TOWN UNION ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE IN PEACEFUL, HISTORIC ELECTION
By Emeka Amaefula
The long-awaited 2026 election of the Iho Dimeze Town Union (IDTU) took place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Township Stadium in Iho Dimeze, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
The exercise, conducted in an atmosphere of order, transparency, and unity, resulted in the election of a new executive council to steer the affairs of the autonomous community for the next four years.
Barr. Augustine Chuks Njoku (Amaruru) emerged as President General. In his acceptance speech, he expressed profound gratitude to the people of Iho Dimeze for the trust reposed in him and called on all indigenes — both at home and in the diaspora — to rally around the new executive for the optimal development of the town. He pledged to lead with transparency, inclusiveness, and dedication, with the completion of the Iho Dimeze Town Hall Project as a flagship priority.
Prof. Anderson Chidi Amadioha, Chairman of the IDTU Electoral Committee, congratulated the incoming executive and delivered a powerful charge: “As we conclude this process today, I wish to specially address the incoming IDTU Executive Council. Your emergence today as the apex political and administrative arm of our Autonomous Community is not merely a victory at the polls, but a call to selfless service, inclusive leadership, unity of purpose, and collective responsibility.
” As the political and administrative arm of Iho Dimeze Ancient Kingdom, you are entrusted with the sacred duty to foster peace, promote transparency, strengthen community accountability, cohesion and inclusiveness, as well as drive sustainable development and progress across Iho Dimeze community.
“I urge you all to work together in unity of purpose, putting aside personal interests, divisions and past grievances, and embrace teamwork, inclusiveness, collaboration, accountability and visionary leadership. Let your administration be anchored on equity, fairness, integrity, and participatory governance, ensuring that every segment of Iho Dimeze community feels represented and carried along.”
The election was marked by high enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility. Sons and daughters of Iho Dimeze, both at home and abroad, gathered to elect leaders who will champion the community’s progress. The process, chaired by Prof. Anderson Chidi Amadioha, was widely commended for its credibility and peaceful conduct.
Dignitaries in attendance included Rt. Hon. Justice Nze, Executive Chairman of Ikeduru Local Government Area, who described the election as a welcome and progressive development. He applauded the community’s commitment to democratic values, noting Iho Dimeze’s strategic importance as the headquarters of Ikeduru LGA.
Hon. Samuel Nwokocha, Councillor representing Iho Ward, also commended the organisers for a well-structured and colourful exercise. He urged the new leaders to demonstrate vision, integrity, and the capacity to move the community forward.
Other notable personalities present included Hon. Sam Udeh, Engr. Foster Uwakwe, and representatives from the Imo State Ministry of Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as security agencies.
Elected Executive (Abroad Leadership – mostly unopposed, reflecting strong unity):
- President General: Barr. Augustine Chuks Njoku (Amaruru) – 131 votes
- Vice President General: Chukwudi Osuji (Umuori) – 113 votes
- Secretary General: Charles Obiyo (Amueje Umuawom) – 69 votes
- Financial Secretary: Pastor Okey Iwuji – 97 votes
- Treasurer: Mr. Akolam Anyagwa (Okpuala) – 91 votes
- Public Relations Officer (PRO): Mr. Dennis Egbujor (Umuori) – 112 votes
- Provost: Mr. Kelechi Udeh (Umuawom) – 87 votes
Elected Executive (Home Leadership – most positions unopposed, with contest only for Chairman):
- Chairman: Mr. Henshaw Uchegbu (Umuisi) – 102 votes
(Defeated Chief Bethel Iwuajoku of Umuawom, who scored 45 votes) - Vice Chairman: Mr. Darlington Unogu (Amaruru) – 48 votes
- Secretary: Chief Maxwell Udeh (Umuokoro) – 91 votes
- Financial Secretary: Patrick Osuji (Amaeke) – 42 votes
- Treasurer: Mr. Christian Ejimadu (Umuori) – 64 votes
- Public Relations Officer (PRO): Mr. John Amajioyi (Umuokoro) – 53 votes
- Provost: Mr. Ebere Sopurum (Umuakpim) – 45 votes
The election stood out for its peace, order, and spirit of unity. It served as a shining example of what a community can achieve when guided by love, respect, and a shared desire for progress.
April 11, 2026, will be remembered as a remarkable milestone in the history of Iho Dimeze — a day the people rose above differences, embraced democracy, and charted a path toward a brighter, more united future.
The newly elected executive members were later presented to the Royal Majesty Eze (Dr.) Martin Chieze Amaku Jp, Dimeze II of Iho Dimeze Ancient kingdom for his Royal blessings. In attendance included members of the IDTU Electoral Committee led by Professor Anderson Chidi Amadioha chairman. While Professor Charles Obiukwu of Imo state university Owerri played major roles in the conduct of the IDTU election proper including the visitation to the Palace of Dimeze II of Iho Dimeze Ancient kingdom.
Iho Dimeze: A Progressive Step Forward.
Emeka Amaefula
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