Political Parties Demand Credible Elections, Scrapping Of SIECs

National chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold absolute neutrality and safeguard its integrity as preparations intensify for the 2027 general election.

He made the appeal during a consultative meeting between INEC and leaders of political parties yesterday at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting, the first since the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), as INEC chairman, provided an opportunity for IPAC to once again congratulate him and emphasise the enormous responsibility before the commission.

Dantalle noted that Nigerians’ expectations for a credible, transparent, and inclusive democratic system are higher than ever, placing

INEC is under increasing public scrutiny. He stressed that the Commission must remain independent, neutral, fair, firm, and decisive as its integrity is tested each time citizens go to the polls.

Dantalle urged INEC to strictly follow the constitutions of political parties when determining recognized leadership, warning that inconsistency or perceived interference has fueled litigations and disrupted party activities.

He advised political parties to make use of IPAC’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms rather than rushing to the courts, recalling that the Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that internal party disputes fall outside judicial jurisdiction.

He emphasised that after nearly three decades of uninterrupted democracy, Nigeria must eliminate excuses for substandard elections.

He urged political parties to uphold internal democracy, avoid imposition of candidates, and prevent unconstitutional tenure extensions, stressing that party leaders must lead by example and protect democratic values.

Dantalle called on the National Assembly to expedite harmonization of the electoral legal framework ahead of the 2027 polls, insisting that real-time transmission of election results to the IReV portal must be made mandatory.

He said Nigerians expect an electoral system where every vote counts and the people’s mandate is fully respected.

With the February 2026 FCT Area Council election approaching, the IPAC Chairman noted that the poll presents another opportunity for INEC to demonstrate its readiness. He highlighted that the FCT election remains the only council poll consistently producing competitive outcomes across multiple political parties, unlike many State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), whose credibility has often been questioned.

He reiterated IPAC’s position that SIECs should be scrapped and INEC empowered to conduct all elections nationwide.

Dantalle also restated IPAC’s advocacy for conducting all elections on the same day, arguing that staggered elections encourage bandwagon effects, increase costs, and worsen voter fatigue.

He added that the FCT Area Council election and the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun will serve as indicators of INEC’s preparedness for the 2027 General Election. According to him, “the eyes of the nation, and the world, are upon us.”

Reaffirming IPAC’s role as the umbrella body for all registered political parties in Nigeria, Dantalle pledged continued collaboration with INEC and other stakeholders to deepen democracy, strengthen political stability, and ensure elections that protect the well-being of citizens.

He concluded by expressing optimism that together, Nigerians can build a stronger and more resilient democratic nation that future generations will be proud to inherit.