IPAC urges INEC to ensure free, credible elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states.

The National Chairman of IPAC, Egnr. Yabagi Sani, said this on Tuesday ahead of INEC’s conduct of these off-cycle governorship elections, scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Sani, in a statement released by the electoral body on X (formerly Twitter), said there is no doubt that INEC is showing its best efforts in its preparations in spite of obvious encumbrances.

He, however, said that a lot more needs to be done to ensure that elections in Nigeria are hitch-free, credible, and substantially comply with the provisions of the controversial 2022 electoral act.

“Furthermore, I challenge INEC to work diligently in persuading our security agencies to play by the rules of engagement and resist the temptation of being used by desperate politicians,” Sani said.

“The involvement of security agencies in the electoral process, when it becomes unavailable, must be based on professionalism, neutrality, and a commitment to the defence of our democracy, rather than partisan interests.

“The citizens must feel secure in their participation in the electoral process, knowing that their safety and security are assured,” he stated.

Sani said he believes that the present precarious state of insecurity in the country, and in particular the three states where the November 11 off-season elections will be taking place, poses a real threat to the full participation of the citizens in the exercise.

He has, therefore, implored all political parties, civil society organisations, and all citizens to play their part in creating an environment that fosters trust and confidence in Nigeria’s electoral processes.

According to the National Chairman of IPAC, together, we as Nigerians can ensure that the people’s will prevails and that our democracy continues to grow stronger.