Why There Is Tension About Saturday’s Elections – IPAC

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has said that ‘winner takes it all’ syndrome among politicians, where no room is given for losers in political contests, usually results in desperation to clinch power at all cost by candidates and inflamed passion by their supporters.

Addressing 2023 presidential candidates of various political parties at the International Conference Center (ICC) in Abuja on Wednesday, the deputy national chairman of IPAC, Maxwell Mgbudem, cautioned politicians that no victory is worth the blood of any Nigerian.

“Election, as observed every four years, is a high-level call to civic obligations on Nigerian citizens, to make choices of leaders who will administer the country and spearhead the distribution of dividends of democracy to the people.

“Thus, the stakes are really high, especially against the background of an entrenched zero sum political culture in our nation; in which the winner takes it all. Distinguished leaders and elders, this can explain the tension and inflamed passion witnessed between candidates and their supporters ahead of this all-important election,” Mgbudem said.

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While pointing out that the essence of signing of the second Peace Accord signified collective resolve and commitment to ensure that the 2023 general election is bloodless, Mgbudem enjoined the actors to abide by the letters of the Oath they took.

To this end, the IPAC leader cautioned political gladiators and their army of supporters that no inflamed passion over high political stakes is worth setting the country on fire, adding that any consideration capable of causing wanton destruction of lives and properties should best be avoided.

According to him, “This is a moment to stop and reflect on what becomes of the nation, her citizens and our democracy, if unquestionable fire erupts out of the electoral process when we instigate our followers to violence through our actions and inactions.

“It is therefore, on this premise that IPAC calls on politicians to play by the rules, de-escalate tension and embrace one another in peace, so as to instill the understanding that election is not a do or die affair among their supporters.”

He said the Peace Accord should not be seen as a mere ceremonial exercise of putting pen to the letters of oath, rather, it was an endorsement of a united and peaceful Nigeria, to which maximum commitment is required through peaceful conduct and utterances both during and after the elections.

At this juncture, Mgbudem, who is also the National Legal Adviser of Accord Party, commended the National Peace Committee (NPC) led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, for the role it plays to ensure that politicians campaigned based on issues and citizens are also allowed to vote for candidates of their choice peacefully.

“As IPAC appreciates your efforts and genuine commitment in our democratic journey, we wish to assure you that posterity will judge you kindly, especially given the role you have played over the years to encourage peace in our elections,” he added.

In addition, IPAC called on INEC to ensure that a level playing field is provided to all political parties, adding “grievances and genuine concerns raised by any party or candidate must be addressed on time and no political party should be treated as more sacred than others, for this is a prelude to electoral violence.

“This election should not only be seen to have been conducted free and fair, but must be seen and judged as transparent and credible by every political party and their candidates, so as to inspire their acceptance and confidence.”