Restore trust in electoral process with off-season elections – IPAC tells INEC

Yabagi Sani, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has advised the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to use the forthcoming off-season governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states as an opportunity to address the confidence deficit in the country’s electoral process.

Sani also called on INEC to continue to appeal to security agencies deployed for elections to insulate themselves from the process and avoid temptations of financial inducements from politicians.

He advised on Tuesday at a meeting between the Commission and the political parties.

“As we gather here in preparation for the off-season elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states scheduled for November 11, 2023, I would like to, on behalf of all political parties in Nigeria, request INEC to seize the opportunity of these elections to deal with the issue of confidence deficit among the citizenry following the outcome of the 2023 national elections,” Sani said.

“There is no doubt that INEC is showing its best efforts in its preparations despite obvious encumbrances. However, 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.

“The involvement of security agencies in the electoral process, when it becomes unavoidable 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.

“The present precarious state of insecurity in the country and in particular the three states where the November 11, 2023 off-season elections will be taking place poses a real threat to the full participation of the citizens in the exercise.”

The IPAC chairman implored all political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens to play their part in creating an environment that fosters trust and confidence in the electoral processes.

“Together, we can ensure that the people’s will prevails and that our democracy continues to grow stronger,” Sani added.