The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called for a review of the process that led to the appointment of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Electoral Commissions (RECs) in the states.
The National Chairman of IPAC, Yabagi Sani, said this when he briefed journalists shortly after the council meeting on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr. Sani said the review was essential to ensure that only competent and patriotic Nigerians were appointed as heads of state offices of INEC.
He said the call was necessary because some RECs are believed to have compromised as INEC state office heads during the 2023 elections.
“More importantly, the commission must be transparent and uphold neutrality and integrity.
“Electoral umpires must perform their duties without fear or pleasure because they will be responsible and accountable for the success and otherwise of the elections conducted,” he said.
Mr. Sani urged INEC to take its constitutional duty seriously to avoid preventable disruptions related to the operation of BVAS and IReV questioning its readiness for the 2033 elections.
He said this is also important for the authenticity of the results announced in the presidential and National Assembly elections.
He commended Nigerians for their active participation in the 2023 general elections while advising that the mandate of the people must be protected.
“The right of the people to elect their leaders is the basis of constitutional rules.
“The vote is sacred and must reflect the will and mandate of the electorate in a free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful election.
“IPAC will reject any attempt to undermine the mandate of the people freely given to political parties and their candidates.
“IPAC calls on the stakeholders in the election process to respect the will of the people because sovereignty rests with them.
“This is the only way we will expand the country’s democracy,” said Mr. Sani.
He urged the court to decide by upholding the rule of law while adjudicating the various previous election petitions as the last hope of all aggrieved citizens.
He said all stolen mandates should be restored to preserve the sanctity of the ballot box.
He condemned the violence, murder, arson and alleged kidnapping of election officials, intimidation and suppression of voters that characterized the 2023 Election.
Mr. Sani described the act as outrageous, despicable and unacceptable in the quest for sustainable democracy in Nigeria and must be stopped immediately.
“Buying votes, seizing ballot papers and boxes remains a bane in the state election process.
“Therefore, the Council calls for the direct prosecution of election violators and their sponsors in order to deter those who want to undermine the will of the people.
“This is the only way to clean up the country’s electoral process and procedures and ensure that the people’s votes are counted.
“This will also encourage citizen participation in future elections, unlike the unprecedented voter apathy seen in the 2023 General Election,” he said.
He commended Nigerian youths who took advantage of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act by contesting and winning national and state legislative seats, especially those in their 20s, saying this is the beauty of democracy.
(IN)
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