IPAC advocates unity to deepen democracy in Nigeria

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), on Tuesday, called on Nigerians to unite to deepen democracy and build a better nation for present and future generations.

The council announced plans to intensify its roundtable discussions, bringing together stakeholders and experts to address critical national issues and propose solutions to deepen democracy.

The National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, in a statement, highlighted the resilience of Nigerians and the urgent need to address key national issues in 2025.

IPAC pledged to continue leading efforts to ensure good governance, hold leaders accountable, and promote sustainable development.

Dantalle said, “It is only by the grace of God that Nigerians survived the socio-economic hardship of 2024. It was unprecedented in the history of our dear nation. We are grateful to God for His mercies, protection, and care which have reinforced our hope and faith in consolidating our democracy and building a strong, united, stable, progressive, equitable, prosperous, and just society in 2025.

“Nigerians are indeed resilient, resourceful and enterprising people who have made enormous sacrifices since Independence in 1960 in the onerous task of building a better nation. Their abiding faith in the fatherland and prospect for a brighter future should not be taken for granted by elected public officers bearing in mind that sovereignty resides in the people.

“As we approach the threshold of 2025, a fresh start is offered to us to objectively appraise our successes and failures in 2024 and firmly resolve to rededicate ourselves in making Nigeria great again. The challenges ahead are enormous, so are the opportunities if we keep watering and nurturing the democracy tree to maturity to yield its fruits to citizens.

“Since nation-building is a collective responsibility, IPAC urges Nigerians to be prayerful, proactive on issues affecting them and hold leaders accountable, as the price for freedom and prosperity is eternal vigilance.”

IPAC reiterated its call for the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), which have undermined credible local government elections.

The council urged the empowerment of INEC to conduct all elections across the country, adding that, “The Council will also intensify its roundtable series where crucial national issues are identified, assemble competent resource persons and stakeholders to chart the way forward that will deepen our democracy.”

IPAC said it remains committed to championing free, fair, and inclusive elections, ensuring good governance, and fostering unity and progress across the country in 2025.