By: Mercy Peter
The National Chairman, Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Yusuf M. Dantalle, on Monday said the Independent National Electoral Commission is condemned to conduct free, fair, credible election in Edo and Ondo States.
Residents of Edo and Ondo are expected to go to poll to elect their governors on 21 September and 16 November 2024.
Dantalle said that the country’s democracy must be sustained.
IPAC Chair, who is also the Chairman of Allied People’s Movement (APM) warned that the democratic process must not be allowed to be derailed by the activities of anti-democratic and reactionary forces.
He spoke at the second quarterly consultative meeting between political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja.
Dantalle urged all the stakeholders to play their role in deepening democracy in the country, which will be observing 25 years uninterrupted democratic rule by 29 May, 2024.
He said, “All eyes are on INEC to conduct free, fair, credible, acceptable and inclusive elections. With adequate preparation, functional BVAS and capacity to upload results in real time on its IReV portals, Nigerians will once more have confidence in the electoral system where every vote will be counted and count in the overall result.”
He also raised an eyebrow over the exuberance fees charged by some political parties for expression of interest and nomination forms amongst other issues.
He said, “The high expression of interest and nomination fees charged by some political parties should be reviewed despite being internal affairs of the parties. IPAC will continue to engage party leaders on this among; others that will curb imposition of candidates and boost internal democracy as we strive to make Nigeria better.”
He went on, “Our hard earned democracy must be sustained. It should not be allowed to derail by the activities of anti-democratic and reactionary forces.
“INEC, leaders of Political Parties, civil society organizations, security agencies, Judiciary, The Press and citizens must be firm and decisive in protecting the nation’s democracy and forestall political upheavals as we currently have in some parts of the country.”
He also said IPAC abhor pilitics of bitterness, saying “IPAC condemn in strong terms politics of bitterness, do-or-die politics and divisive politics that have tendencies of undermining our emerging democracy.
“It is unacceptable! Politicians must abide by democratic ideals, ethics and ethos, and desist from inflammatory utterances and actions that could impede our constitutional government. More importantly, political parties must adhere strictly by their constitutions in conducting congresses, primaries and conventions.
“Accordingly, leaders of political parties must live by example in deepening democracy by ensuring an environment conducive for successful elections, political stability and peaceful electoral process in Nigeria. It is one way of restoring trust and confidence in the electoral system which will bolster voters turnout in elections.
“We are deeply concerned by the low voters turnout in recent years particularly in the 2023 general election. It calls for concerted effort by all stakeholders in the electoral process. For democracy to succeed, it is very important that eligible citizens are active participants. It is obvious that your vote is your voice; for your voice to be heard you must register to vote. Effective voter register ensures that citizens’ right to vote is protected. It is imperative that INEC maintains updated Register of Voters in real time”.
He also challenged parties on the need to mobilise citizens for voter registration in Edo and Ondo.
He said, “Ahead of the forthcoming Edo and Ondo States governorship elections, it is important that voters in the two states are massively mobilized to register and participate in the polls. As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC will spearhead this crucial exercise in collaboration with INEC.
“In previous elections, Council would move to various states, sensitize and mobilize the people on upcoming polls, called for non-violence and urge them to shun vote buying and selling, etc with the limited funds at its disposal. With the lowest voters turnout in the 2023 general election, so much needs to be done. It is on record that the 2003 general election had the highest voters turnout because INEC released funds in 2002 to political parties to engage in voter education, sensitisation and mobilisation to register and participate in the elections. ”
He also spoke on “The need to restore annual grant to political parties that was expunged from the constitution by the National Assembly, cannot be overemphasized.
” IPAC has set up its Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments Committee that will recommend aspects of the laws that need to be reviewed, and presented to the National Assembly for consideration.”
He also stressed the importance of Local Government autonomy, saying that it “is essential for the survival of democracy in Nigeria as politics is local. Citizens must be encouraged to actively participate in grassroots politics that guarantees free and transparent polls.”
IPAC chairman condmned Cross carpeting by political party members, saying “Frequent cross carpeting by national and state legislators is inimical to sustainable democracy. It is the remote cause of crisis in political parties and State Houses of Assembly, particularly when legislators decamp with impunity without cogent reasons. This must stop.”
Another issued raised by Dantalle is the issue of establishing Electoral Offences Commission.
IPAC chair said “It is critical in the effort to sanitise our electoral process. The rate of electoral offences is alarming. It builds distrust and questions the integrity of elections.. Offenders must be duly punished to serve as a deterrence to others.”
