– Demands scrapping of state Independent Electoral Commission
From David Onuoja, Abuja
The National Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, on behalf of IPAC has thrown its weight in support of INEC to conducts local government elections in the country.
He made this known on Monday during the third Quarterly Consultative Meeting with Political Parties, organized by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Abuja.
Mamman Dantalle, said, to further deepen democracy at the grass level, IPAC demands the immediate scrapping of the States Independent Electoral Commission (SIECom).
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According to him, “The charade called elections, SIECom conduct is an aberration, dent and mockery of our emerging democracy.
“In this guard, IPAC commends the recent financial autonomy granted to the 774 Local Governments in Nigeria following the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court. It will go a long way in ensuring that the basic social amenities are provided for the citizens at the third ties of government.
“To restore confidence in the society today, INEC should be empowered to conduct all Local Government elections, Politics is local, people should be encouraged to actively participate in grassroots politics and contribute in building a healthier society.
“As a major stakeholder in the political process, IPAC is unwavering in its quest for electoral integrity, sanctity of the ballot box and respect to the will and mandate of the people, political stability and well-being of Nigerians.
“In this vein, IPAC calls for the amendment of the Constitution and the Electoral Act to empower INEC to conduct all Local Governments polls”, he added.
IPAC, also advocated for the establishment of the Electoral Offences Commission, to prosecute electoral offenders to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to tow the path of dishonour.
“Once we get our elections right and credible leaders emerge, there will be drastic reduction in elections petitions and litigations.
