Ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has told the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that there should be no excuse for poor performance.
The Council said it is the duty of political leaders to ensure the elections meet international best practices and also hold critical stakeholders accountable.
IPAC stressed that vote selling and buying, thuggery, voter apathy and intimidation of electoral officials, particularly to declare results under duress, are issues militating against the conduct of credible polls in Nigeria.
The Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja during the INEC quarterly meeting with leaders of political parties.
Dantalle, who is also the National Chairman Allied Peoples Movement, APM, commended the leadership of INEC for its performance so far, adding that so much still needs to be done to improve the nation’s electoral process in order to reduce post-election petitions and litigations.
“There should be no excuse for poor performance. IPAC will constantly engage INEC and major stakeholders to ensure the success of these elections and will be there for mobilization of voters, sensitization and monitoring of polls,” he said.
Dantalle added that the current leadership of IPAC would live up to its mandate by ensuring an environment conducive for the conduct of successful elections.
He added that IPAC would set up a Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments Committee to review glaring irregularities in recent elections and make proposals to the National Assembly.
Dantalle noted: “Accordingly, IPAC will set up a Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments Committee to review glaring irregularities in recent elections and make proposals to the National Assembly in its ongoing Constitution and Electoral Act amendments.
“In this regard, IPAC will be proactive to ensure that the Edo and Ondo states gubernatorial elections meet the expectations of Nigerians and the international community.”
Edo, Ondo Guber: No excuse for poor performance – IPAC tells INEC
