|By Chinwendu Nwani
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rely strictly on the constitutions of political parties when resolving leadership disputes, warning that any deviation could undermine public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
IPAC also urged the electoral body to eliminate ambiguity by clearly publishing on its official website the leadership of political parties it recognises, noting that such recognition determines the officials with whom INEC legitimately engages.
The call was made on Thursday in Abuja by IPAC’s National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, during an INEC consultative meeting with leaders of political parties. He stressed that Nigerians’ expectations for a stronger, more credible and prosperous democracy remain exceptionally high.
Dantalle said INEC must continue to operate as an independent, neutral and decisive institution, capable of conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive. According to him, the integrity of the Commission is tested at every election, making fairness and neutrality non-negotiable.
He explained that publishing recognised party leadership would dispel allegations of bias, complicity or interference in internal party affairs, while also curbing the wave of litigations that have stalled party activities, disqualified candidates and cast doubt on the viability of some political parties.
Describing the situation as harmful to sustainable democracy and national development, IPAC further advised political parties to explore its internal alternative dispute resolution mechanisms instead of rushing to court. Dantalle noted that the Supreme Court has consistently held that it lacks jurisdiction over internal party leadership disputes.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, he said that after 27 years of uninterrupted democracy, 66 years of independence and over a century of political party evolution, stakeholders must resolve to strengthen the system as the country approaches another general election under INEC’s supervision.
IPAC also cautioned that there should be no tolerance for elections that fall short of credibility, transparency and public acceptability, urging all actors to demonstrate unwavering commitment to democratic ideals.
The council further called on political parties to uphold internal democracy, comply strictly with their constitutions in leadership changes and candidate nominations, and avoid practices such as candidate imposition or unlawful tenure elongation.
In addition, IPAC appealed to the National Assembly to fast-track the harmonisation of Nigeria’s electoral legal framework ahead of the next general election, stressing that time is critical.
According to Dantalle, citizens expect an improved electoral system that restores confidence, ensures every vote counts and protects the sanctity of the ballot, which he described as the bedrock of constitutional governance and durable democracy.
