The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), representing all registered political parties in Nigeria, on Thursday, pledged commitment to upholding democratic values ahead of Local Government elections in Rivers State on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

IPAC emphasised the unity of Nigerians in fostering sustainable democracy and development, vowing to resist any attempts to undermine the country’s hard-earned democratic gains.

The National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, who disclosed this in Abuja, during a press briefing, urged the people of Rivers State to participate actively by voting for their preferred candidates.

As the election approaches, IPAC also called on the Inspector-General of Police and relevant security agencies to ensure adequate security for the elections.

Dantalle said: “Election is the beauty of democracy, particularly at the third tier of government, which is nearest to the people. Local Government elections must be supported and encouraged by all lovers of representative governance in Nigeria. It is on this note that IPAC backs the Rivers State local government election and all other elections across the country.

“What the Council strongly condemned was the high cost of nomination fees which was aimed at excluding credible aspirants who could not afford the outrageous fees as well as sudden change of electoral laws to undermine the national leadership of political parties and subvert the electoral process.

“We maintain that it is inappropriate to change the rule and goal post in the middle of the game and or take undue advantages against fellow contestants. For democracy to thrive, there must be a level playing field for all parties and their candidates participating in any election in Nigeria.

“Electoral integrity cannot be compromised for any reason or for no reason whatsoever. In the same way, elections cannot be stopped by judicial fiat in favour of political actors, jobbers and hirelings in pursuit of their inordinate ambitions.

“This was what truncated the June 12, 1993 presidential election adjudged to be the freest election in the country when some political clowns surreptitiously procured an order of the court to stop the much-expected presidential election meant to usher in a democratic government after years of military rule.

“It was a dark period in the nation’s history. It will be unfair, unjust and unacceptable to repeat this national nightmare at the local government election level as obtained in Rivers State where some reactionary forces are bent on stopping the election slated for this weekend.”

IPAC boss also announced its plans to convene a roundtable discussion with stakeholders to address the judiciary’s role in democracy and the need for accountability among judicial officers, adding that, “The Judiciary must reinvent itself or risk becoming a hindrance to sustainable democracy in Nigeria.”

He also reiterated its commitment to fostering sustainable democracy in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of local government elections as a vital component of representative governance.