The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has expressed deep concern over recent developments in Nigeria’s political and security landscape, particularly the proposed Nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the handling of the leadership situation within the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the persistent killings in Plateau State.
IPAC said it acknowledged that periodic updates of the voter register are vital to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, but added that the timing raises serious concerns.
It said that at a period when critical stakeholders, especially political parties are already burdened with numerous obligations arising from the new Electoral Act, including ongoing nationwide membership registration with mandatory NIN verification within a limited timeframe,
introducing an additional nationwide exercise without broad consultation, particularly with political parties and adequate preparation risks disenfranchising millions of eligible voters.
“We therefore urge INEC to reconsider the timing of the exercise to prevent an overly congested electoral environment that may ultimately exclude, rather than include, more citizens in the democratic process,” a statement signed by
Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, National Publicity Secretary, said.
IPAC also called on the electoral umpire to exercise caution in handling the leadership dispute within the ADC insisting that in cases of internal party disagreements, it must be clearly understood that leadership structures, even when contested, do not amount to a vacuum.
“The reported removal of the names of Distinguished Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from INEC’s official portal appears premature and capable of creating avoidable instability within the polity,” the statement added.
“If not carefully managed, such actions may set a troubling precedent and undermine confidence in the neutrality of the electoral umpire.”
IPAC urged INEC to act with restraint, fairness and strict adherence to due process in resolving intra-party issues.
On the killings in the Plateau, IPAC said it strongly condemns the massacre in Jos
“These senseless acts of violence are unacceptable and pose a serious threat to national unity and security,” it said.
The Council called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to take urgent, decisive and sustained action to halt the violence, safeguard lives and property and restore peace to affected communities.
“It is imperative that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, along with their sponsors, are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
“Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive in an environment where electoral processes are transparent, political institutions are stable and citizens feel safe and protected,” it said.
