IPAC Urges INEC to Adhere to Party Constitutions in Resolving Leadership Disputes

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be guided strictly by the constitutions of political parties when addressing leadership disputes within their ranks.

IPAC also called on the electoral body to clear any doubts by publicly stating and publishing on its website the party leadership it officially recognises.

The appeal was made by the IPAC National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, during INEC’s consultative meeting with leaders of political parties held in Abuja on Thursday.

Dantalle reminded INEC that Nigerians’ expectations for a stronger, more prosperous and stable democratic system remain exceedingly high, stressing that the credibility of the Commission is constantly tested during elections.

“The Commission must remain independent, neutral, fair, firm and decisive in conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive,” IPAC said.

According to the council, INEC must always provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, noting that the recognition of party leadership by the Commission confers legitimacy and determines the officials it engages with.

“We urge INEC to be guided strictly by the constitutions of the respective parties when addressing such matters, particularly concerning the leadership it recognises and publishes on its website.

“Such recognition confers legitimacy and determines the official leadership with which the Commission engages. Adhering to this principle will dispel perceptions of bias, complicity or interference in internal party affairs,” the statement read.

IPAC added that strict adherence to party constitutions would significantly reduce litigation that has disrupted party activities, prevented some parties from fielding candidates and created uncertainty about their relevance and viability.

“This situation is detrimental to sustainable democracy and national development,” the council said.

The body further urged political party leaders to take advantage of IPAC’s internal alternative dispute resolution mechanisms instead of rushing to the courts, noting that the Supreme Court has consistently held that it lacks jurisdiction over internal party leadership disputes.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Dantalle said, “After 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, 66 years of Independence, and over a century of political party development in Nigeria, as we approach the eighth general election under INEC’s supervision, we must resolve to get it right.

“There should be no excuse for elections that fall short of credibility, transparency and public acceptability. We must collectively demonstrate faith in the democratic process and an unwavering commitment to making it work.”

IPAC also charged political parties to uphold internal democracy and comply strictly with their constitutional provisions in the nomination of candidates and leadership changes.

“There must be no room for the imposition of candidates or unlawful tenure elongation in violation of party constitutions. As party leaders, we must lead by example and uphold democratic values, ethics and principles,” it added.

The council further called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the harmonisation of the electoral legal framework ahead of the forthcoming general election, stressing that time is of the essence.

“Citizens expect an improved electoral framework that restores trust and confidence in the democratic system, one in which every vote counts and the people’s mandate is respected.

“The sanctity of the ballot is the foundation of durable democracy, and we must defend it to preserve constitutional governance,” Dantalle said.