Shun Winner-takes-all Syndrome, IPAC Tells Okpebholo

The umbrella body of political parties in Nigeria, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has urged the victorious governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to be magnanimous in victory, reach out to other contestants and run an inclusive government.

In a statement by the national chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, they urged Okpebholo to avoid the winner-takes-it-all syndrome that has been the bane of Nigerian politics and government, saying this should be jettisoned in the quest for sustainable democracy and development in the country.

IPAC congratulated the APC candidate on his victory in the 21st September 2024, Edo State governorship election, saying it is another victory for democracy which will go a long way in deepening the nation’s electoral process.

It said the good people of Edo State have spoken with their votes and expressed their confidence in the APC candidate, Okpebholo, adding that it is a clarion call to serve.

“IPAC urges him to be magnanimous in victory, reach out to other contestants and run an inclusive government that will transform the state and improve the people’s wellbeing.

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“The winner-takes-it-all syndrome has been the bane of Nigerian politics and government. This should be jettisoned in the quest for sustainable democracy and development in the country.

“Council urges all aggrieved political parties and their candidates to seek legal redress. The Judiciary should also sit up as a Temple of Justice and the last hope of the common man, and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to have been done in all electoral disputes,” it said.

IPAC said that as the umbrella body of all registered political parties, it will continue to consolidate and deepen democracy by ensuring an environment conducive for successful elections, political stability and well-being of Nigerians.

It urged INEC to improve on its Edo governorship performance in the November 2024 Ondo State gubernatorial election, insisting that there is no substitute for credible elections.

“The people’s votes must count and their mandates respected by all stakeholders in the political process. Once more, congratulations to the good people of Edo State. Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria. Together we will deepen it to yield its fruits and dividends to citizens,” the statement added.