National Chairman, Inter- Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and National Chairman for Allied People’s Movement (APM), Yusuf Dantalle has announced that IPAC has set up 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.
The IPAC chairman spoke in Abuja on Monday during an interactive session with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the forthcoming Edo and Ondo states governorship polls.
He stated that “Local Government autonomy 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.
“The question is, How far have we gone in deepening/strengthening democracy in Nigeria. It is food for thought and calls for sober reflection in the quest for a strong, united, progressive, equitable and just democratic nation.
“Our hard earned democracy must be sustained. It should not be allowed to derail by the activities of anti-democratic and reactionary forces.
“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.”
Dantalle called on INEC, leaders of Political Parties, civil society organizations, security agencies, Judiciary, the media and citizens to 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 noted further that “this month, specifically 29th May, 2024 marks the One Year anniversary of the current elected officers, 25 years of uninterrupted democracy since the restoration of civil rule on 29th May, 1999.
“Sixty four Years of Political Independence and One Hundred and One Years of the formation of a Political party.
“We 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.
“The need to restore annual grant to political parties that was expunged from the constitution by the National Assembly, cannot be overemphasized.
“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.
“Electoral Offences Commission is critical in the effort to sanitize 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.
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.
IPAC Chairman stressed that 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.”
Ahead of the forthcoming Edo and Ondo States governorship elections, he said “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.
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