IPAC Criticizes INEC for David Mark’s Ouster and Voter Revalidation Concerns
The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has voiced significant apprehension regarding the recent occurrences in Nigeria’s political and security realm, especially the suggested Nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the management of leadership issues within the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the ongoing slaughters in Plateau State.
IPAC mentioned that it recognizes the necessity of periodic updates of the voter registry to bolster Nigeria’s democracy, but emphasized that the timing poses considerable worries.
It stated that during a time when crucial stakeholders, notably political parties, are already overwhelmed with multiple responsibilities arising from the new Electoral Act, including the current nationwide membership registration with compulsory NIN verification within a constrained timeframe, implementing an extra nationwide exercise without broad consultation, especially with political parties and sufficient preparation could risk disenfranchising millions of qualified voters.
“We thus implore INEC to reassess the timing of the exercise to avert an excessively cluttered electoral environment that may ultimately exclude, instead of include, more citizens in the democratic process,” a statement signed by Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, National Publicity Secretary, stated.
IPAC also urged the electoral body to proceed with caution in managing the leadership conflict within the ADC, asserting that in situations of internal party disputes, it must be clearly perceived that leadership frameworks, even when contested, do not equate to a vacuum.
“The reported deletion of the names of Distinguished Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from INEC’s official portal seems hasty and capable of inducing unnecessary instability within the political sphere,” the statement added.
“If not handled prudently, such actions may establish a troubling precedent and erode confidence in the impartiality of the electoral body.”
IPAC urged INEC to engage with moderation, equity, and strict compliance with due process in addressing intra-party matters.
Concerning the atrocities in Plateau, IPAC stated that it vehemently denounces the massacre in Jos.
“These senseless acts of brutality are intolerable and represent a grave threat to national unity and security,” it remarked.
The Council called on the Federal Government and pertinent security agencies to undertake urgent, firm, and sustained measures to cease the violence, protect lives and property, and restore tranquility to affected locales.
“It is crucial that the perpetrators of these horrific crimes, along with their backers, are swiftly caught and held accountable.
“Nigeria’s democracy can only flourish in an ambiance where electoral processes are transparent, political institutions are stable, and citizens feel safe and secure,” it concluded.
