The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has halted a proposed change to the collation centre for Ideato Federal Constituency, rejecting the recommendation to move the facility from Urualla in Ideato North Local Government Area to Dikenafai in Ideato South.
The Commission’s decision, reached at its management meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2026, effectively preserves Urualla as the collation centre and brings a contentious electoral administrative issue to a close, at least for now.
The proposed relocation had triggered opposition from residents and political stakeholders in the constituency, with the dispute escalating to legal action aimed at preventing the change.
By rejecting the recommendation, INEC has opted to retain the existing arrangement rather than proceed with the proposed transfer, a development that has drawn relief from communities and stakeholders who had opposed the relocation.
Member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, commended the decision, describing it as an indication that contentious electoral issues could still be subjected to institutional scrutiny.
Ugochinyere specifically praised INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, and the Commission’s Federal Commissioners for what he described as a decision that upheld due process.
“I commend Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, and the Federal Commissioners of INEC for this important decision. It shows that the reforms taking place under the present leadership of INEC are beginning to restore confidence in the electoral process,” he said.
The lawmaker said the development reinforced the need for electoral decisions affecting communities to be handled transparently and in accordance with established procedures.
According to him, the decision to maintain Urualla demonstrated institutional responsibility and responded to concerns that had emerged over the proposed relocation.
“The people of Ideato deserve an electoral system in which decisions affecting them are taken transparently, fairly and in accordance with established procedures,” Ugochinyere said.
He, however, cautioned against interpreting the decision as a victory for any individual or political interest, insisting that the broader issue was the credibility of the electoral process.
“This is not about victory for one individual, political party or group. It is about the integrity of our electoral system and the confidence of citizens in the institution responsible for conducting our elections,” he said.
Ugochinyere further urged political actors and other stakeholders to respect the Commission’s decision and avoid exerting undue pressure on the electoral body in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
He also encouraged stakeholders to continue to channel grievances and disagreements through lawful and institutional mechanisms.
With the proposed relocation rejected, Urualla remains the designated collation centre for Ideato Federal Constituency, while the controversy surrounding the proposed shift to Dikenafai recedes following INEC’s latest decision.
