The Kebbi State Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has cautioned political parties to follow INEC rules during congresses to ensure internal democracy and avoid litigation.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council ( IPAC ) in Kebbi State has issued a formal and urgent appeal to all registered political organizations operating within the state. This appeal specifically targets parties that have yet to initiate their congress processes, as well as those that have already concluded their internal deliberations.
The central objective of this call is to ensure that every step taken during these critical political exercises aligns perfectly with the guidelines established by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the overarching constitutional provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This directive comes at a pivotal moment as political entities prepare for party primaries, which serve as the gateway for selecting candidates who will eventually vie for various elective positions.
By emphasizing adherence to these rules, IPAC aims to ensure a standardized and legal approach to political nominations across the region. The statement, released on Wednesday, was spearheaded by the Chairman of the Kebbi State IPAC, Faruku Garba, NATO. In his address, Garba emphasized that the pursuit of transparency and credibility during congresses is not merely a legal requirement but a fundamental necessity for strengthening internal democracy.
He argued that when political parties prioritize fair and open processes, they foster a culture of accountability and meritocracy. According to the IPAC chairman, the manner in which a party conducts its internal congresses serves as a 'litmus test' for the overall credibility of its subsequent primary elections. He posited that the quality of leadership produced for the public depends heavily on the integrity of the internal mechanisms used to select those leaders.
He further elaborated that good and capable leaders are the natural product of fair and impartial congresses, suggesting that the success of any political party in a general election is often pre-determined by the health of its internal democratic structures. Moreover, the IPAC chairman raised serious concerns regarding the consequences of neglecting these regulatory frameworks. He warned that poorly managed congresses, characterized by opacity or unfairness, frequently lead to protracted legal battles.
Litigation, he noted, can jeopardize a party's chances of success at the polls by creating instability, dividing the party base, and wasting valuable resources on court cases rather than campaign activities. Such conflicts not only hinder the progress of individual parties but also create avoidable tensions within the broader democratic system of the state. By bypassing the laid-down rules, parties risk alienating their members and losing the trust of the electorate, which is essential for any successful political venture.
The integrity of the process is therefore paramount to avoiding post-election crises that could destabilize the local political climate. In a stern warning, Faruku Garba urged all political parties, both in Kebbi State and across the national landscape, to maintain strict compliance with INEC laws. He indicated that IPAC would be monitoring the unfolding events of the congresses very closely to ensure that the rules are upheld.
He admonished parties to strive for seamless transitions and peaceful deliberations to avoid the pitfalls of political rancor. The Chairman highlighted a critical risk: parties that willfully refuse to follow the constitutional and INEC-mandated rules could face the severe penalty of being delisted. This possibility serves as a stark reminder that the authority of the electoral commission is paramount in maintaining the order and legitimacy of the political process.
Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment where the will of the party members is respected, and the candidates emerging from the process are viewed as legitimate representatives of their party's ideology and interests
IPAC INEC Kebbi State Internal Democracy Political Congresses
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