The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has issued a strong warning against political interference in the upcoming Rivers State local government elections, slated for October 5. National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, addressed journalists in Abuja, stressing the importance of conducting the elections without undue meddling.
Dantalle criticized the high nomination fees, arguing that they are designed to exclude credible candidates from participating. He also expressed concerns over conflicting court orders and judgments that threaten to undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
Highlighting the role of elections in democracy, particularly at the local government level, which is closest to the people, Dantalle urged Nigerians to support democracy by ensuring the people’s will is respected through the ballot.
IPAC also called on the new Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to investigate and sanction judicial officers who are seen as compromising the democratic process. The council reiterated its call for the abolition of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), advocating for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to oversee all local government elections.
Dantalle emphasized that IPAC will not allow political actors to sabotage Nigeria’s democracy and urged the people of Rivers State to turn out in large numbers to vote for their preferred candidates. He also called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to ensure adequate security for the smooth conduct of the elections.