IPAC to INEC: Restore trust in electoral process with off-season elections.

The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, who also doubles as the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Engineer Yabagi Sani, has advised the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to use the forthcoming off-season governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states as an opportunity to address the confidence deficit in the electoral process.

The Chairman of the Forum of the political parties in the country offered the electoral umpire the admonition on Tuesday at a meeting between the Commission and the parties.

Engineer Sani, who maintained that the management of the last general elections has created disdain for the electoral process in the minds of the electorate, declared that stakeholders must do more to inspire confidence in the management of elections.

He said, 'As we gather here in preparation for the off-season elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa States scheduled for November 11, 2023, I would like to, on behalf of all political parties in Nigeria, request INEC to seize the opportunity of these elections to deal with the issue of confidence deficit among the citizenry following the outcome of the 2023 national elections.

'The 2023 national elections presented us with numerous challenges and controversies, leading to enormous challenges in our electoral processes. It is essential for INEC, as the custodian of our democracy, to address this issue comprehensively.

To reaffirm citizens' confidence, INEC must continue to demonstrate impartiality, transparency, and a commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. This is not only a moral imperative but a necessary step towards preserving the integrity of our democratic system.

'There is no doubt that INEC is showing its best efforts in its preparations in spite of obvious encumbrances. However, a lot more needs to be done to ensure that elections in Nigeria are hitch-free, credible, and substantially comply with the provisions of the controversial 2022 electoral act.'

The IPAC national chairman also called on INEC to continue to appeal to security agencies deployed for elections to insulate themselves from the process and avoid temptations of financial inducements from politicians.

'Furthermore, I challenge INEC to work diligently in persuading our security agencies to play by the rules of engagement and resist the temptation of being used by desperate politicians. The involvement of security...