Edo: Be Non-partisan, Don’t Sell Votes, IPAC Tells INEC, Police, Voters

Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called for a credible, transparent and peaceful Election.

Addressing a press conference at the stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City, the national chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, urged those concerned to ensure credible and peaceful election, while warning against vote buying.

He said the crucial stakeholders’ voters sensitization Press Conference is targeted towards having a peaceful, transparent & inclusive up-coming Edo State governorship election.

Recall that stakeholders signed the peace pact as one of the strategies to achieve a peaceful electoral process.

Stressing that IPAC is structured to ensure all levels and tiers of government are carried along in the electoral and democratic process, Dantalle said “As we approach this important electoral process, it is imperative that we emphasize the significance of conducting a free, fair, and peaceful election. Stakeholders must all play by the rules, adhering to the electoral guidelines, constitution, and electoral act.”

He urged voters in the state to exercise their civic duty without hindrance and vote for the candidates of their choice, based on their manifesto, track record, and leadership qualities.

“Reject any form of vote buying, as it undermines the integrity of our democracy. To the contestants, we urge you to know that the will of the electorates is sacrosanct and should be respected. The decision to choose leaders rests squarely on the shoulders of the people and that is what makes democracy unique.

“Therefore, contestants in any election must resist the temptation to manipulate the process or attempt to force themselves on the people. Leadership should be selfless service to the people and if that is the case, no responsible leader would want to force himself or herself on the people.

“To the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, we appeal to you, to remain neutral and impartial. Ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.

“Your roles are critical in maintaining the trust and confidence of the electorate. We need to see the neutrality of the respective institutions to promote our nascent democracy”.

He urged Nigerians to be a little bit more patient, adding that the situation is a passing phase and a trying moment. He however said all hands must be on deck to salvage the country from its present political and economic situation.

“To make the matter worse some enemies of this administration are already using this to instigate the people against the government. But if we must connect this to how some Western countries today developed we can see that some of the economic policies then appeared to be harsh but at the long run it paid off and today they have been celebrated as leading economic champions,” he said.

Again, Zazzaga commended President Bola Tinubu for his steadfastness in moving the nation and the party forward, and steering it  on the right path.