?Reiterates call for scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions

The Chairman, Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Nigeria, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantelle, has criticised the high cost of living in the country and political tension which has dampened citizens confidence in the electoral process, hence low turnout at any elections.

Dantelle who made this assertion while addressing the fourth INEC and IPAC quarterly consultative meeting held on Thursday at Abuja.

He averred that citizen participation in elections is critical to sustainable democracy, as power resides in the people, but 25 years later, the reverse is the case.

While urging government at all levels to imbibe people-oriented programs, aimed at ameliorating the naked hardships Nigerians are subjected to, in line with the constitutional provisions.

He asked INEC to improve on the forthcoming Ondo governorship election, stating that IPAC will lead from the front.

He also called for collaboration from all stakeholders in the electoral process, so as ensured in-depth sensitization, mobilisation to ensure free, fair and credible elections expected of international standards and best practices.

Dantelle charged the media, election observers both local, foreign and security agencies to play their pivotal roles, while challenging INEC on the need to ensure the workability of BVAS and IREV Machines.

IPAC chairman warned the judiciary not to set the country backwards, stating that orders and counter orders from judges has been a cog in the wheel of progress of Nigeria?s democracy.

While looking forward for a peaceful and transparent election in Ondo come November 16th, hesaid the need for a well conducted governorship election in Ondo will avoid the pitfalls of Edo.