IPAC Urges Governments to Improve Citizens’ Welfare, Calls for Credible Ondo Poll

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on all levels of government to enhance the well-being of Nigerians in line with Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

IPAC emphasized that immediate action is required to ease the hardship millions of Nigerians endure daily, arguing that better living conditions will increase political participation and restore confidence in the electoral process.

Speaking at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Fourth Quarterly Consultative Meeting with political parties in Abuja, IPAC’s National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantelle, highlighted the need for renewed efforts toward citizen engagement ahead of the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State.

“After 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, the nation is in a troubling state. Nigerians are disillusioned.

The rising cost of living and political tension have discouraged participation, resulting in low voter turnout during elections,” Dantelle said.

“Citizens’ involvement in elections is essential for sustaining democracy, as power resides in the people.

It is critical to create a conducive environment for successful elections, political stability, economic growth, and public safety.”

Dantelle expressed expectations that INEC will enhance its performance during the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election, urging electoral stakeholders to prioritize voter education, sensitization, and mobilization to ensure the poll meets international standards.

He called on political parties to embrace issue-based campaigns and abandon divisive politics.

Additionally, he urged INEC to address logistical challenges by providing adequate electoral materials and conducting pre-election testing of the BVAS and IReV portals to avoid technical failures.

“The issue of late arrival of election materials to polling units must be resolved to build trust in the electoral process,” IPAC said.

“Effective communication by INEC officials during result collation is essential to avoid suspicions of manipulation, as seen in the Edo State governorship election when politicians disrupted the collation centre over delays.”

IPAC also underscored the crucial roles of security agencies, observers, and the media, urging them to carry out their duties with patriotism and responsibility.

“Vote trading has plagued elections in Nigeria,” Dantelle warned. “Security agents must arrest and prosecute vote buyers, sellers, and their sponsors to restore integrity to the electoral process and encourage greater citizen participation.”