From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Amidst the forthcoming Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) election, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has emphasized the pivotal role of IPAC in fostering a credible, inclusive, and transparent electoral environment in Nigeria.
Highlighting the election’s significance in driving political reforms, TMG underscores the necessity for a fair and impartial electoral process within IPAC.
Chairman of the Transition Monitoring Group, Mallam Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, asserted in a press release, “IPAC serves as a cornerstone for promoting and sustaining a free, fair, credible, and peaceful electoral environment in Nigeria as the umbrella body of all registered political parties.”
Expressing concerns about potential manipulations within the election, Rafsanjani raised alarm over attempts by political elites, particularly from the ruling party, to influence the council’s leadership.
He cautioned against the infiltration of individuals lacking integrity into the council, paralleling the erosion of trust in other democratic institutions due to similar actions.
The TMG chairman pointed out, “The integrity of IPAC must be preserved by preventing the imposition of candidates with questionable backgrounds and pending criminal cases, safeguarding the council’s credibility.”
Emphasizing the foundational role of political parties in upholding democracy through internal democracy and inclusivity, TMG vehemently opposed the monetization of electoral processes.
The group urged IPAC members to exercise their voting rights judiciously to prevent individuals with integrity deficits from assuming power within the council.