By Chioma Favour
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties to recommit to the principles of credibility, transparency, and internal democracy as preparations intensify for the 2027 General Election.
IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, made the call on Thursday in Abuja during INEC’s consultative meeting with leaders of political parties the first such engagement since Professor Joash O. Amupitan, assumed office as INEC Chairman.
Dantalle congratulated the new INEC Chairman on his appointment, noting that although IPAC had formally extended its goodwill in October 2025, the meeting provided another opportunity to reaffirm a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
He described the responsibility before INEC and political parties as significant, stressing that Nigerians’ expectations for a more transparent, accountable, and stable democracy remain high.
According to him, INEC must continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with independence, neutrality, and firmness to guarantee 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,” Dantalle said.
The IPAC chairman also raised concerns over recurring leadership disputes within some political parties, urging INEC to be guided strictly by the constitutions of the affected parties when determining and recognising party leadership.
He noted that the leadership details published on INEC’s website confer legitimacy and determine who the Commission formally engages with, making accuracy and neutrality essential.
Dantalle warned that failure to adhere to party constitutions in such matters could fuel perceptions of bias, escalate internal litigations, and, in some instances, prevent parties from fielding candidates a development he described as detrimental to sustainable democracy and national development.
He added that the conduct of the upcoming FCT Area Council election, as well as the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, would serve as important indicators of what Nigerians should expect ahead of 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 promoting credible elections, political stability, and democratic growth.
“Together, we shall build a stronger and more resilient democratic nation that future generations will be proud to inherit,” he added.
