IPAC tasks political parties on deepening democracy

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Enugu State has urged political parties to deepen democracy for the growth and development of Nigeria. IPAC stated that government institutions could work better and deliver their mandates when democracy takes its rightful place, insisting that political parties should recommit themselves and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.

Newly elected state Chairman of the Council in Enugu State, Ken Ike, stated that its members would work harder to promote democratic tenets and development in the state and entire country.

Speaking shortly after the election of the new executive, he said democracy provided an opportunity for everyone to contribute towards promotion of good governance, fairness and equality.

The election became necessary following the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) deregistration of 74 political parties. Ike, a member of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) said the election was without any rancor, adding that it was the beginning of the development of democracy among political parties in the state.

“It was a directive from the national leadership of IPAC to streamline elective positions in the organisation after INEC deregistered 74 political parties on February 16, 2020.

“There was, therefore, the need to fill the gap created by the deregistration and IPAC Enugu State issued notice to all the registered political parties to be part of the process.

“Of the 17 active political parties in Enugu State, 16 participated in the election. It was also monitored by INEC and relevant security agencies and we were able to harmonise and elect the new leaders,” he said.

He said the new executive, which would operate as an Interim State Management Committee, would function until a national election holds between November and December.

Other members of the new executive are, state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ben Nwoye (Secretary) and Augustine Nnamani, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Publicity Secretary.

Others are, Edwin Alor of the Accord Party (Treasurer), Stella Chukwuma of the ADC (Organising/Welfare Secretary), Nnaemeka Okoh of the AAC (Financial Secretary) and Elvis Ugwuoke of the ZLP (Youth Policy Adviser).