National Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, has called on the National Assembly to expedite action on harmonisation of the electoral legal framework for the 2027 general elections, saying time is of the essence.
Dantalle made the call during the Independent National Electoral Commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja on Thursday.
He emphasised the need for making real time transmission of the election results to the INEC Result Viewing, IReV, portal mandatory.
The IPAC national chairman also urged INEC to remain independent, neutral and decisive in conducting credible and inclusive elections.
He called on INEC to always provide a level-playing field for all political parties and candidates, mindful that its integrity is tested each time citizens go to the polls.
Dantalle emphasised the need for INEC to be guided strictly by the constitutions of the respective political parties when dealing with disputes within parties, particularly concerning the leadership it recognises and publishes on its website.
According to him, such recognition confers legitimacy and determines the official leadership with which the commission engages.
“Adhering to this principle will dispel perceptions of bias, complicity or interference in internal party affairs.
“It will also reduce the litigations that have disrupted party activities, prevented some parties from fielding candidates and created uncertainty about their relevance and viability.
“This situation is detrimental to sustainable democracy and national development”, Dantalle said.
He enjoined political party leaders to utilise IPAC’s internal alternative dispute resolution mechanisms rather than resorting prematurely to the courts, especially with the Supreme Court repeatedly affirming lack of jurisdiction over parties’ internal leadership disputes.
“Accordingly, IPAC urges political parties to uphold internal democracy and strictly comply with their constitutional provisions in the nomination of candidates and changes in leadership.
“There must be no room for imposition of candidates or unlawful tenure elongation in violation of party constitutions.
“As party leaders, we must lead by example and uphold democratic values, ethics and principles”, he said.
On the forthcoming FCT Area Council Elections, Dantalle urged INEC to justify the confidence Nigerians reposed in it by Nigerians.
“The conduct of the FCT Area Council elections and the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State will send a strong signal regarding expectations for the 2027 general elections.
“The Commission must rise to the occasion. Indeed, the eyes of the nation and the world are upon us”, he said.
Dantalle pledged IPAC’s continued collaboration with INEC and other stakeholders in deepening democracy, fostering political stability and creating an environment conducive to successful elections and the well-being of citizens.
