The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has issued a firm call to former National Chairman, Yusuf Sani, to draw inspiration from the graceful concession of former President Goodluck Jonathan and refrain from sowing discord within the organization.
Following the election held on December 18, where Yusuf Dantalle emerged as the new chairman, Sani, who also served as the National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and IPAC, graciously accepted defeat, congratulated Dantalle, and endorsed the election’s legitimacy before the media. However, despite this, Sani contested the results, alleging irregularities and subsequently sought a court order on December 28, 2023, to halt the inauguration of the new IPAC National Executives.
In a press statement articulated by Chinyere Ogekalu, the National Publicity Secretary of IPAC, the organization urged Sani to prioritize the welfare of the council, emphasizing its role as a benchmark for political parties in the nation. IPAC expressed bewilderment at Sani’s swift recourse to litigation despite his earlier acknowledgment of the election outcome, questioning the urgency behind this move and its potential to disrupt the council’s peace.
The statement highlighted the imperative need for Sani to emulate Goodluck Jonathan’s statesmanlike conduct, underscoring that instigating unnecessary turmoil within IPAC is incongruous with his ambitions. It cautioned that history would harshly judge him and his allies if they persist in unsettling the council due to their inability to accept defeat gracefully.
IPAC also raised concerns about the court’s provisional order, noting that Sani’s actions might have misled the judiciary, as the order was granted after his tenure had already expired. The organization urged Sani to reconsider his stance and actively contribute to the council’s well-being. It stressed the significance of maintaining the integrity of IPAC, a crucial institution within Nigeria’s political landscape.
The deliberation serves as a poignant reminder of the need for ethical conduct and magnanimity in the aftermath of electoral processes, resonating with the exemplary actions of statesmen like Goodluck Jonathan. IPAC’s unequivocal call for composure and adherence to democratic principles reflects a broader commitment to upholding transparency and unity within the political sphere.
