The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has expressed concern over how the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is managing the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that missteps could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
In a statement issued in Abuja, IPAC also criticized the persistent violence in Plateau State and questioned the timing of the proposed Nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise, citing potential voter disenfranchisement and additional strain on political parties.
Egbeola Martins, IPAC’s National Publicity Secretary, urged INEC to exercise caution in resolving internal disputes within political parties, noting that contested leadership structures do not create a leadership vacuum. He specifically highlighted concerns over the removal of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from INEC’s official portal, describing the action as premature and potentially destabilizing.
On the Nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise, IPAC acknowledged the importance of updating the voter register but cautioned that its timing could overwhelm the system. Political parties are already managing multiple obligations under the new Electoral Act, including membership registration with mandatory NIN verification, party primaries, and compliance assessments. IPAC called for broad consultation and careful planning to avoid excluding citizens from the democratic process.
The council also condemned ongoing violence in Plateau State, describing it as a serious threat to national unity and security. IPAC urged the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive action to protect lives and property and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
