The Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to rebuild trust in the electoral governance.
IPAC Chairman, Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, speaking on behalf of political parties in Nigeria during INEC’s second Quarterly Meeting with Political Parties in Abuja on Thursday, said the low turn out of voters recorded in recent elections was due to lack of trust in the system.
He said this could be due to the fear that their votes might not count, violence and lack of confidence in the candidates contesting various offices who might not fulfill their elections promises.
“This is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately,” he said, adding that “Active citizens’ participation in the political process is essential for sustainable democracy and development.
“We must continue to work on rebuilding trust in electoral governance. Elections are a prerequisite of democracy. In fact, it is the beauty of democracy.
“We must uphold the sanctity of the ballot box and respect the will of the people as expressed therein. Elected public officers must be held accountable at all levels of governance. This is one salient way to protect and sustain our hard earned democracy.
“After 26 years of unbroken democracy, citizens expect the best of representative governance in tandem with the provisions of Section 14(2)b of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
“When elections are free and fair, and credible leaders emerge, there will be inherent trust and confidence in the process. Citizens will be encouraged to participate in nation building.”
IPAC urged the leaders of political parties to conduct transparent primaries for the upcoming Federal Capital Territory, FCT Area Council election.
“The integrity of the electoral process starts with parties’ primaries where candidates are nominated for various offices,” he addsd
“Parties are urged to comply with the provisions of their constitutions for rancour-free exercises and desist from imposition of candidates.”
IPAC further urged political parties and their candidates to imbibe issue-based campaigns for the 8th November 2025, Anambra State governorship election.
“Politicians and their supporters should eschew politics of bitterness that impedes the nation’s emerging democracy,” he said.
He added that upcoming Anambra gubernatorial poll provides is yet another opportunity for INEC to demonstrate its capacity to conduct a credible election leveraging on effective application of its new technologies through centralised Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance that will enhance decision-making through data-driven insights, risk management, voter engagement, predictive analytics, automation and intelligent safeguards.
