The Desperate Move of Opposition Political Parties to Hijack Town Unions in Imo State: A Case Study of Ahiazu Mbaise Communities

Introduction

Town unions in Imo State have traditionally served as pillars of grassroots governance, fostering development, unity, and community leadership. However, in recent times, opposition political parties have resorted to desperate moves to hijack these structures, especially in communities without recognized traditional rulers.

This phenomenon is particularly evident in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, where many communities lack substantive traditional rulers, creating a vacuum that politicians now seek to exploit. Their goal is not community development but to install political loyalists who will serve as their foot soldiers ahead of upcoming elections.

This article highlights the implications of this dangerous trend, the legal framework governing town unions in Imo State, and why the government must urgently intervene to prevent a political takeover of grassroots governance.

Case Study: The Manipulation of Town Unions in Ahiazu Mbaise

1. Absence of Recognized Traditional Rulers

Many communities in Ahiazu Mbaise, such as Umuihuocha, Umuokirika, Odu na Izuogu, Ogbe, Mpam, and others, currently do not have substantive traditional rulers. This has left town unions as the highest governing bodies, responsible for community affairs.

Instead of allowing due process to take its course, opposition political actors have seen this leadership gap as an opportunity to install their own town union executives, thereby securing grassroots political influence ahead of elections.

2. Politicization of Town Union Elections

In several communities, opposition parties have been aggressively pushing for town union elections under the guise of restoring democracy. However, their real intention is to manipulate the process and install their loyalists as town union executives.

Once in power, these politically motivated town union leaders:

• Mobilize community members for opposition rallies instead of focusing on development.
• Frustrate government-backed projects in the communities.
• Use town union structures to promote opposition political interests, rather than uniting the people.

3. Community Disunity and Crisis

Instead of bringing communities together, the political hijack of town unions has led to divisions and crises. Factions are now aligned with different political interests, leading to:

• Violence and conflicts during town union elections.
• Refusal to recognize legitimate authorities, including the local government.
• Disruptions in community governance, affecting development projects and security.

The Role of the Local Government in Ensuring Stability in Town Unions

The Local Government Executive Chairman, as the highest authority at the grassroots level, has an oversight role over town unions to ensure they function in line with the law and for the benefit of the people. Since town unions operate within local government jurisdictions, it is the responsibility of the Executive Chairman to prevent external political interference and ensure these bodies remain focused on community development.

To achieve this, the Local Government should play a proactive role by:

✅ Supervising town union leadership selection processes to ensure they remain free from political manipulation.

✅ Setting up oversight committees to monitor the activities of town unions and prevent external hijack.

✅ Suspending or restructuring any town union executive that becomes a tool for political destabilization.

✅ Ensuring that all town union elections follow proper legal and democratic procedures.

✅ Appointing neutral and competent Interim Management Committees (IMCs) where necessary, to maintain order in communities without traditional rulers.

The Executive Chairman's role in managing town unions is crucial to maintaining peace and order in local communities, preventing crises, and ensuring that town unions remain development-focused rather than politically hijacked structures.

The Right Approach: Protecting Town Unions from Political Hijack

1. Government Must Take Decisive Action

The Imo State Government and the various LGAs must act swiftly to:

✅ Suspend all politically motivated town union elections in communities without traditional rulers.

✅ Appoint neutral IMCs to manage town unions where necessary.

✅ Enforce strict monitoring of opposition activities in town unions to prevent political hijack.

2. Establish a Transparent Leadership Selection Process

To ensure fairness and stability:

✅ The government should set up a neutral, independent process for town union elections.

✅ Candidates should be screened for political affiliations to ensure they are genuinely committed to community development.

✅ Elders, stakeholders, and community members should be properly consulted before any leadership transition.

3. Fast-Track Recognition of Traditional Rulers

One of the main reasons for political interference in town unions is the absence of traditional rulers.

The government should:

✅ Fast-track the recognition process for new traditional rulers in affected communities.

✅ Ensure that newly recognized traditional rulers have community support and legitimacy.

4. Community Awareness and Sensitization

Communities in Ahiazu Mbaise and across Imo State must be enlightened on:

✅ The dangers of allowing politicians to hijack town unions.

✅ The importance of following due process in electing town union leaders.

✅ The need for unity and peace in community governance.

Conclusion: Protecting the Integrity of Town Unions in Imo State

The ongoing attempt by opposition parties to hijack town unions in Imo State, particularly in Ahiazu Mbaise, is a direct attack on grassroots democracy. Instead of town unions focusing on development, unity, and progress, they are now being weaponized for political battles.

To prevent this, the Imo State Government must act decisively by:

✅ Blocking politically motivated town union elections in communities without traditional rulers.

✅ Enforcing the legal framework that gives the LGA Chairman authority over town unions.

✅ Appointing neutral IMCs where necessary.

✅ Fast-tracking traditional ruler recognition to close the leadership vacuum.

Town unions should serve the interests of the people, not the selfish ambitions of politicians. The government must remain vigilant to ensure that grassroots leadership remains free from political interference and focused on community progress.

Written by: Comr. Uchech'ukwu Wisdom O.