The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to be guided strictly by the constitutions of the respective parties when addressing leadership disputes within some political parties.
IPAC said that INEC should endeavour to clear all doubts by publishing the leadership it recognizes on its website.
The council made the call through its National Chairman Dr Yusuf Dantalle at the INEC Consultative meeting with leaders of political parties held in Abuja on Thursday.
IPAC reminded INEC that Nigerians’ expectations for a better, stronger, and more prosperous democratic nation are exceedingly high.
“The Commission must remain independent, neutral, fair, firm, and decisive in conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive,” the IPAC said.
“It must always provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, mindful that its integrity is tested each time citizens go to the polls.
“We urge INEC to be guided strictly by the constitutions of the respective parties when addressing such matters, particularly concerning the leadership it recognizes 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.
“It will also reduce the 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 further enjoined political party leaders to utilize IPAC’s internal alternative dispute resolution mechanisms rather than resorting prematurely to the courts, which the Supreme Court of Nigeria has repeatedly affirmed lacks jurisdiction over internal party leadership disputes.
“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,” he added.
“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 urged political parties to uphold internal democracy and strictly comply with their constitutional provisions in the nomination of candidates and changes in leadership.
“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.”
Furthermore, IPAC called on the National Assembly of Nigeria to expedite action on harmonization of the electoral legal framework for the forthcoming general election, as 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,” he added.
