The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently address its internal challenges and rebuild public trust in the country’s electoral system.

Speaking on Thursday at the second quarterly consultative meeting between INEC and political party leaders, IPAC Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, expressed concern over the growing loss of confidence among Nigerians in the commission’s ability to deliver credible elections.

“INEC should put its act together and justify the confidence Nigerians have reposed in it to conduct free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections,” Dantalle stated.

He stressed the need for INEC to uphold the principles of transparency and integrity as Nigeria continues to nurture its democratic culture, adding that the nation can reclaim its position as the beacon of democracy in Africa.

Dantalle reaffirmed IPAC’s commitment to promoting electoral integrity, political stability, and public trust, noting that the council remains a key platform for ensuring the credibility of elected public office holders.

He said, “While there is improvement in the conduct of recent elections, voter turnout remains low, very low, indicating a lack of trust in the electoral governance. It could be fear that their votes might not count, fear of violence and lack of confidence in the candidates contesting various offices who might not fulfil their election promises.

“This is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately. Active citizens’ participation in the political process is essential for sustainable democracy and development.

“We must continue to work on rebuilding trust in electoral governance. Elections are a prerequisite of democracy. In fact, it is the beauty of democracy. We must uphold the sanctity of the ballot box and respect the will of the people as expressed therein.

“Elected public officers must be held accountable at all levels of governance. This is the one salient way to protect and sustain our hard-earned democracy.

“After 26 years of unbroken democracy, citizens expect the best of representative governance in tandem with the provisions of Section 14(2)b of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

“When elections are free and fair, and credible leaders emerge, there will be inherent trust and confidence in the process. Citizens will be encouraged to participate in nation building”.

Speaking on the FCT Area Council elections, he said, “IPAC urges leaders of political parties to conduct transparent primaries for the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election.

“The integrity of the electoral process starts with parties’ primaries, where candidates are nominated for various offices. Parties are urged to comply with the provisions of their constitutions for rancour-free exercises and desist from the imposition of candidates.

“IPAC further urges political parties and their candidates to imbibe issue-based campaigns for the 8th November 2025, Anambra State governorship election. Politicians and their supporters should eschew politics of bitterness that impedes the nation’s emerging democracy”.

He said the Anambra gubernatorial poll provides yet another opportunity for INEC to demonstrate its capacity to conduct a credible election, leveraging on effective application of its new technologies through centralised Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance that will enhance decision-making through data-driven insights, risk management, voter engagement, predictive analytics, automation and intelligent safeguards.

This, he said, will strengthen electoral credibility and integrity, as well as prevent glitches that could erode confidence in elections.

He said IPAC will consider adopting AI governance in parties’ membership drives, voter education and mobilisation for elections, adding that “IPAC supports any effort to strengthen democratic institutions in the country.

“It commends the leadership of INEC and the Federal Government for initiating the construction of the new headquarters annexe building of the commission. It is a giant step forward in solving the electoral umpire’s long-standing space issue, thus creating an enabling environment for the commission to discharge its statutory mandate.

“So much is expected of INEC ahead of the FCT council poll, Anambra State governorship election, Osun State gubernatorial poll 2026 and the 2027 general election. To whom much is given, much is expected.” (The Nation)