The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use forthcoming off-circle governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo State to rebuild the voters’ confidence in the electoral process.
This call was made by Chairman of IPAC, Yabagi Sani at a stakeholders’ meeting with INEC in Abuja, ahead of the November 11 governorship elections in the three states.
He said, “As we gather here in preparation for the off-season elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa States scheduled for November 11, 2023, I would like to, on behalf of all political parties in Nigeria, request INEC to seize the opportunity of these elections to deal with the issue of confidence deficit among the citizenry following the outcome of the 2023 national elections.
“The 2023 national elections presented us with numerous challenges and controversies, leading to enormous challenges in our electoral processes. It is essential for INEC, as the custodian of our democracy, to address this issue comprehensively.
To reaffirm citizens’ confidence, INEC must continue to demonstrate impartiality, transparency, and a commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. This is not only a moral imperative but a necessary step towards preserving the integrity of our democratic system.
“There is no doubt that INEC is showing its best efforts in its preparations in spite of obvious encumbrances. However, a lot more needs to be done to ensure that elections in Nigeria are hitch-free, credible, and substantially comply with the provisions of the controversial 2022 electoral act.”
Meanwhile, the INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu also expressed concern about some recent court orders and judgments regarding the nomination, and substitution of party candidates, and their effects on the management of sensitive materials for the elections.
“On the issue of candidature, the Commission is concerned about the spate of recent judgments and orders of the court in respect of the nomination, substitution, or disqualification of candidates after all the sensitive materials have been printed. The reprinting of the materials in compliance with court orders within a short period of time is not only expensive but the management of the process very challenging,” he said.
“Although the Commission has already published the final list of candidates for the three States, four recent court orders have compelled us to review the list. These changes have been reflected in the updated list of parties and candidates on our website. However, this decision is without prejudice to any pending appeal by the affected candidates or their political parties.”
The INEC chairman also expressed concern over the spate of violence in the states as the elections draw closer.
“I wish to remind you as party leaders that free and fair elections are only possible in an atmosphere of peace. After all, the election is a process involving human beings as voters, election officials, observers, and the media whose safety is of paramount concern to us,” he said.
The INEC chief said while the commission is working with security agencies to ensure peace during the elections, IPAC has “an obligation to impress on your members, candidates, and supporters to maintain peace during the campaign rallies and procession.
“I urge you to also appeal to them to maintain the same disposition on Election Day and beyond.”
