Inter Party Advisory Council of Nigeria IPAC has called for the scrapping of the States Independent Electoral Commission SIEC for INEC to take over their responsibility toward ensuring credible election of local governments across the country.
The National Chairman of the Council, Mr Yusuf M. Dantalle made the call during the African Democratic Congress ADC Democracy Summit 2024 held in Kaduna.
Mr. Yusuf Dantalle, who alleged that the enormous powers and influence of state governors always affect the independent status of those commissions nationwide, argued that governors had killed local government structures and urged Nigerians to resist it.
He however appealed to Nigerian Governors to allow local governments to functions well for the benefit of Nigerians at the grassroots.
Mr Yusuf Dantalle pointed out that, IPAC would present its comprehensive Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments proposal to the National Assembly for consideration and inclusion in the ongoing review of laws.
According to him, IPAC would continue to seek reform and integrity in the electoral process, saying that, If free and fair elections are conducted and every vote is counted, most political parties will win it seats.
Mr Yusuf Dantalle called for the autonomy of Local Governments in Nigeria as the third tier of government closest to the people while Citizens should be encouraged to participate actively in grassroots politics.
“The theme of this Summit is very apt. Solid Political Party Structure Critical To Sustainability of the Democratic Process. Political parties are central in modern democracy. They are vital platforms or channels by which citizens aggregate their interests and hold government accountable in electoral politics”
Speaking at the summit, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu,
emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to undergo a significant redirection away from flawed democracy to effectively tackle present-day challenges.
Mr Nwosu who criticized the current cost of living in the country, expressed concern over the state of affairs in Nigeria, which he believed strayed from the vision of the nation’s founding fathers.
He stressed the importance of revitalizing political parties to lead the democratic system effectively.
Nwosu clarified that, the purpose of the gathering was not to form a merger to challenge the ruling party in 2027 but rather to address internal challenges and seek common ground to strengthen opposition parties to safeguarding Nigeria’s 25-year-old democracy.
Earlier, the Summit Chairman, Alhaji Muhammed Nalado, emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to address the challenges facing smaller political parties in Nigeria.
Aljaji Nalado urged unity among small political parties as a strategy to secure electoral victories at all levels.
He emphasized the imperative of sustaining democracy and ensuring that the people have a voice in governance.
On his part, the National Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Malam Falalu Bello, said opposition parties were facing numerous challenges that are threatening the integrity of their parties, ranging from rampant abuse of power and lack of accountability to the cynical manner in which the process has become progressively monetized.
Malam Bello said it was their responsibility to ensure political parties were structured in a way that promotes Internal Democracy, transparency, and accountability.
He stressed that, the people Redemption Party was committed to building a stronger party that serves the interest of Nigerians, urging stakeholders to joint the effort to brighter the future of the country.
In a remark, the Chairman of African Democratic Congress Chairman in Kaduna and also IPAC Chairman in the state, Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani Mustapha said about eight leadership of political parties attended the summit with a view to deliberate on challenges badevelling their parties to proffer solutions.
He further revealed that, the summit was not meant the political parties to merge as insinuated in some quarters but only understand their problems as political parties.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
