The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Imo State Chapter, has announced plans to conduct a by-election to fill vacant positions in its state executive council following approval from the Expanded State Executive Council.
The decision was reached during the council’s meeting held on July 4, 2026, at the Imo Youth Centre, Concorde Avenue, New Owerri. A statement signed by the state chairman, Comrade Humphrey Ikechukwu Osuji, confirmed that the election would be held to restore full leadership structure within the organisation.
NYCN Imo said the by-election became necessary after some executive offices were left vacant due to the death of certain office holders and the prolonged absence of others from official responsibilities, which the council said was against provisions of its constitution.
The council referenced a November 30, 2023 consent judgment by the Imo State High Court, presided over by Justice K. A. Lewanya, which recognised Comrade Osuji and other executive members as the legitimate leadership of the youth body in the state.
According to the statement, a Disciplinary Committee was established in August 2025 under the leadership of the late Comrade Michael Uzoma to review the affected offices and make recommendations in accordance with the NYCN constitution.
The committee recommended that the vacant positions be formally declared open and filled through a by-election. The recommendations were later approved by the Management Committee in January 2026.
However, the electoral process was delayed following the deaths of Pope Chijioke Ekwiegh and the committee chairman, Comrade Michael Uzoma, forcing the council to suspend the exercise temporarily.
Following fresh discussions, the Expanded State Executive Council has now approved the immediate resumption of the electoral process. The by-election is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Imo Youth Centre in Owerri.
The council urged eligible members and stakeholders to participate peacefully and responsibly, stressing its commitment to transparent elections, constitutional leadership and democratic principles within the organisation.
NYCN Imo also expressed appreciation to the Imo State Government, the Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt, security agencies and other partners for their continued support towards youth empowerment and development in the state.
