From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to meet Nigerians’ expectations, emphasising the need to build on the remarkable reforms and steady development made in the electoral process.
National Chairman of the council, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, issued this charge during the first quarterly consultative meeting between political party leaders and the electoral commission in Abuja on Wednesday.
In a paper presented by Dantalle titled “Credible election is imperative for sustainable democracy and development: We must get it right in the Anambra governorship and plan adequately for the 2027 general election,” IPAC reminded INEC that great expectations come with significant responsibilities.
The council stressed that Nigerians rely on INEC to deliver transparent elections that will usher in visionary leaders capable of transforming the nation. It called on the commission to justify the confidence reposed in it and improve on its previous performance.
“On its part, INEC, as the regulatory body of political parties, has conducted seven general elections from 1999 to 2023, alongside numerous off-season elections, by-elections, rerun elections, and supplementary elections.
“With remarkable reforms and steady development in the electoral process, much is expected from the commission in conducting free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections that meet international standards.
“Therefore, preparation for the conduct of the eighth general election in 2027 should commence immediately to enable the commission to put in place all requirements on time and meet the expectations of Nigerians.
“While preparations for the Anambra State gubernatorial election are ongoing, the commission should also activate its Election Project Plan (EPP), Strategic Programme of Action (SPA), the 2022–2026 Strategic Plan, and Strategic Plan Implementation Programme (SPIP) for the 2027 general election.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. INEC should know that fellow compatriots count on it for transparent elections that will usher in visionary leaders who will transform the nation. The commission should justify the confidence reposed in it, put its act together, and improve on previous performance,” IPAC charged.
Speaking further, Dantalle noted:
“There is no doubt that the conduct of successful elections is a collective responsibility of stakeholders. It is the reason we must rebuild trust in the electoral process. Low voter turnout in previous elections is worrisome and a sad commentary on our democratic process.
“This narrative must change! We must continue to work together to ensure electoral integrity, the sanctity of the ballot box, and the mandate of the people.
“Therefore, IPAC urges stakeholders to support the commission in discharging its statutory duties essential to consolidating and strengthening our constitutional governance,” Dantalle concluded.