By Mercy Peter
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties to recommit to the principles of credibility, transparency and internal democracy as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 General Election.
IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, made the call on Thursday in Abuja while delivering a speech at INEC’s consultative meeting with leaders of political parties, the first such engagement since Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, assumed office as INEC Chairman.
Dantalle congratulated the new INEC Chairman on his appointment, noting that although IPAC had formally conveyed its goodwill in October 2025, the meeting offered another opportunity to renew collective commitment to deepening and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
He described the responsibility before INEC and political parties as enormous, stressing that Nigerians’ expectations for a better, stronger and more prosperous democratic nation remain high.
According to him, INEC must continue to discharge its constitutional duties independently, neutrally and decisively, while ensuring elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive.
“The Commission must always provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, mindful that its integrity is tested each time citizens go to the polls,” the IPAC chairman said.
Dantalle expressed concern over recurring leadership disputes within some political parties, urging INEC to be guided strictly by the constitutions of the affected parties in determining and recognizing party leadership.
He noted that the leadership published on INEC’s website confers legitimacy and determines who the Commission officially engages with.
He warned that failure to adhere strictly to party constitutions could fuel perceptions of bias or interference, increase internal litigations and, in some cases, prevent parties from fielding candidates a situation he described as harmful to sustainable democracy and national development.
The IPAC chairman also advised political party leaders to explore the Council’s internal alternative dispute resolution mechanisms rather than resorting prematurely to the courts, recalling that the Supreme Court has consistently affirmed that it lacks jurisdiction over internal party leadership disputes.
Dantalle noted that after 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, 66 years of Independence and more than a century of political party development, there should be no excuse for elections that fall short of credibility and public acceptability.
“As we approach the eighth general election under INEC’s supervision, we must resolve to get it right,” he said, urging all stakeholders to demonstrate faith in the democratic process and unwavering commitment to making it work.
He further called on political parties to uphold internal democracy, strictly comply with their constitutions in the nomination of candidates and leadership changes, and desist from the imposition of candidates or unlawful tenure elongation.
Dantalle urged the National Assembly to expedite the harmonization of electoral laws ahead of the 2027 polls, stressing that time was of the essence.
He reiterated IPAC’s longstanding advocacy for the mandatory real-time transmission of election results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal as a way of restoring public trust in the electoral process.
“Citizens expect an improved electoral framework that ensures every vote counts and that the people’s mandate is respected,”
he said, describing the sanctity of the ballot as the foundation of durable democracy.
Turning to upcoming elections, Dantalle said the February 2026 Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would present another opportunity for INEC to justify the confidence Nigerians have reposed in it.
He noted that the FCT council election, conducted by INEC, has consistently produced competitive outcomes with multiple parties winning seats a contrast, he said, to many State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) conducted polls whose credibility is often questioned.
IPAC renewed its call for the scrapping of SIECs and for INEC to be empowered to conduct all elections nationwide, citing the Commission’s institutional expertise and capacity.
Dantalle also advocated for the conduct of all elections on the same day to reduce costs, curb bandwagon effects and address voter fatigue and low turnout associated with staggered elections.
He added that the conduct of the FCT Area Council election, alongside the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, would send strong signals about expectations for the 2027 General Election.
“The Commission must rise to the occasion. Indeed, the eyes of the nation and the world are upon us,” he said.
Dantalle reaffirmed IPAC’s commitment, as the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, to continued collaboration with INEC and other stakeholders in deepening democracy, fostering political stability and creating an enabling environment for credible elections and national development.
“Together, we shall build a stronger and more resilient democratic nation that future generations will be proud to inherit,” he said.
