Interim govt idea ‘civilian coup,’ says IPAC

The Inter‑Party Advisory Council (IPAC), a coalition of the 18 registered political parties, raised concerns on Friday about plots to establish an interim government by unknown individuals. Describing such moves as “treason and a civilian coup,” the council warned that they would undermine the nation’s democracy. IPAC called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to identify, arrest and prosecute the plotters in accordance with the law, so as to deter others.

The DSS had previously warned that, following the 2023 general election, some aggrieved persons were planning to destabilise the country by instituting an interim government. IPAC National Chairman Yabaji Sani told journalists in Abuja that, if true, the allegation amounted to treason and a civilian coup. He emphasized the need for reconciliation, healing, political stability, national unity, peace and cohesion after the contentious 2023 election. “The Inter‑Party Advisory Council condemns in strong terms the call and plot to install an interim government in Nigeria. It is a civilian coup, treason, absolutely unconstitutional, undemocratic and unacceptable,” Sani said. He added that IPAC rejects any attempt by reactionary and retrogressive forces to scuttle, subvert or truncate the nation’s emerging democracy, noting that such actions would create confusion, political upheaval, impasse and a quagmire reminiscent of the 1993 annulment of the June 12 presidential election and the subsequent hasty establishment of an interim national government headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Sani also praised Professor Nnenna Oti, the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the recent governorship and State Assembly elections in Abia State, as well as her role as Vice‑Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. He said, “IPAC highly appreciates Professor Nnenna Nwannaya‑Oti for her exemplary conduct and impressive performance in the March 18, 2023 elections in Abia State. The council’s commendation is based on her ability to rise above pressure and fulfill her statutory mandate without fear or favour. We hope others will emulate this virtue of integrity, which is lacking among some public officers entrusted with public trust.”