The Akwa Ibom Government has proposed October 26 for the conduct of local government elections in the state.

The state governor, Umo Eno, disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting organised by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission in Uyo.

Represented by Mr Frank Archibong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Eno said that the meeting was in preparation for the council polls.

He said that council chairmen that would emerge from the exercise would be sworn in on December 7, in compliance with the state’s electoral plan.

Mr Eno, who also presented the election plan to political party representatives at the meeting, urged them to prepare for elections.

He said, “This engagement is a precursor to all of the electoral activities that will ultimately lead to the 2024 local government elections. The council poll could not hold in 2023 because of the shortness of time, remember that we assumed office on May 29. That is the reason we still have caretaker committees at the local governments. I see nothing stopping us from having the elections this year.’’

Earlier, the Chairman of AKISIEC, Aniedi Ikoiwak, said that the meeting was to brief stakeholders on the preparations for council polls in the state.

He said, “So this meeting gives stakeholders the opportunity to interrogate the electoral process as planned.’’

He said that the commission would ensure adequate deployment of electoral and security personnel during the exercise.

Mr Ikoiwak told political parties to conduct their primaries between July 22 and August 26.

He said that from the timetable, campaigns would commence on August 26.

(NAN)