My people, wahala no dey finish! Just when you think our political scene is calming down, something new pops up. The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) – you know, the body that represents all the political parties – has come out strong, airing their grievances with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). And believe me, their concerns are weighty, touching on everything from voter registration to leadership tussles and even the sad killings in Plateau State.
Is INEC’s Voter Revalidation Timely? IPAC Says ‘No’!
Now, nobody is arguing that updating the voter register isn’t important. In fact, IPAC agrees it’s crucial for strengthening our democracy. But their main beef is the timing of INEC’s proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise. According to IPAC, this is not the right time, and they’ve got good reasons.
Think about it: our political parties are already juggling a lot. The new Electoral Act has them busy with nationwide membership registration, and to make matters more complicated, they have to verify everyone with their NIN – all within a tight deadline! So, IPAC is asking, why add another massive nationwide exercise without proper consultation, especially with the political parties themselves?
Their fear is real: this rush could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. Imagine the chaos, the long queues, and people missing out because of an ‘overly congested electoral environment.’ Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, IPAC’s National Publicity Secretary, put it plainly: they want INEC to reconsider the timing to avoid excluding citizens from the democratic process rather than including them.
The David Mark & ADC Saga: A Precedent for Instability?
Another major point of contention for IPAC is how INEC is handling the leadership squabble within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). IPAC is urging INEC to tread carefully, reminding them that even when there’s an internal party dispute, it doesn’t mean there’s a leadership vacuum.
And here’s where it gets really interesting: IPAC is particularly worried about the reported removal of prominent names like Distinguished Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from INEC’s official portal. They see this as premature and capable of causing unnecessary instability in our political landscape. If not managed properly, this kind of action could set a dangerous precedent and make people lose trust in INEC’s neutrality. IPAC’s message is clear: exercise restraint, fairness, and stick to due process when dealing with intra-party issues.
Plateau Killings: A Call for Urgent Action
Beyond the electoral matters, IPAC also used the opportunity to strongly condemn the horrific killings happening in Jos, Plateau State. They minced no words, calling these senseless acts of violence ‘unacceptable’ and a serious threat to Nigeria’s unity and security.
The Council is calling on the Federal Government and all security agencies to take urgent, decisive, and sustained action. The goal? To stop the violence, protect lives and property, and bring peace back to the affected communities. They insist that the perpetrators of these terrible crimes, along with anyone sponsoring them, must be caught swiftly and brought to justice. After all, our democracy can only thrive when elections are fair, political institutions are stable, and citizens feel safe.
It’s clear that IPAC is keeping a close eye on things, and their concerns are valid. What do you think about INEC’s plans and IPAC’s stance? Let us know in the comments below! For more insights into Nigeria’s political landscape, check out our other articles like Is Nigeria Heading for Trouble?, and Wahala: Nigerian Government Hikes Gas Prices, or perhaps you’re interested in 5 Legit Ways to Earn Dollars in Nigeria. Don’t forget to also read about Blord in Kuje and How to Launch a Business in Nigeria.
For more insights, read our other articles: in, How, Nigeria, Nigerian, Ways.
