At the heart of current political concerns in Nigeria is an alarming realization: the rising cost of living, which is fueling growing voter apathy during elections. The Inter Party Advisory Council, or IPAC, expressed its concern at the quarterly consultative meeting of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, noted that Nigerian democracy, after 25 years, is going through a difficult period. Citizens are feeling disillusioned with rising cost of living and political tensions, resulting in low voter turnout. This situation highlights the critical importance of creating an environment conducive to successful elections, political stability, economic growth and public safety.
IPAC calls on governments at all levels to improve the welfare of citizens, in line with the Constitution of Nigeria. The organization emphasizes the need to take urgent measures to alleviate the challenges that millions of Nigerians face daily. Such action would encourage their political participation and enhance the credibility of the electoral process.
In the context of the Ondo State governorship election, IPAC stresses the importance of INEC improving its practices to ensure quality elections. Stakeholders are called upon to engage in voter education, sensitization and mobilization to ensure free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections in line with international standards.
IPAC stresses the importance of ensuring effective communication by officials of the Electoral Commission, especially during the consolidation of results, to avoid any suspicion of manipulation of results. Similarly, the issue of late arrival of electoral materials in some polling stations must be addressed to enhance confidence in the elections.
Also among the challenges to be overcome is vote trading, a common practice in elections in Nigeria. IPAC urges security forces to apprehend and prosecute vote buyers and sellers, as well as their sponsors, to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Finally, IPAC reiterates its call for the abolition of the Independent State Electoral Commissions (SIECs), calling the elections conducted by the latter an assault on democracy. The organization proposes that INEC be tasked with organizing all local government elections in Nigeria, thereby eliminating the need for another body to conduct these polls.
In sum, IPAC emphasizes the need for concerted action to strengthen democracy in Nigeria and restore citizens’ confidence in the electoral processThis approach involves essential reforms, increased transparency and the mobilization of all stakeholders involved in the democratic process.