From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that it cannot afford not to meet the expectations of Nigerians with remarkable reforms and steady development made in the electoral process.

National Chairman of the council, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, gave the charge at the first quarterly consultative meeting between leaders of political parties and the electoral umpire in Abuja yesterday.

The challenge was contained in the paper Dantalle presented tagged: “Credible election is imperative for sustainable democracy and development, we must get it right in the Anambra governorship and plan adequately for the 2027 general election.”

Reminding the electoral umpire that to whom much is given much is expected, IPAC bluntly noted that INEC should be aware that Nigerians count on it for transparent elections that will usher in visionary leaders who will transform the nation.

It further charged the commission to justify the confidence reposed in it, and put its act together to improve on previous performance.

“On its part, INEC as the regulatory body of political parties has conducted seven general elections from 1999 to 2023, aside numerous off-season elections, by-elections, re-run elections and supplementary elections.

“With remarkable reforms and steady development in the electoral process, so much is expected from the commission in conducting free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections that meet international standards.

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“Therefore, the preparation for the conduct of the eight general elections in 2027 should commence immediately to enable the commission put in place all requirements in due time and to meet the expectation of Nigerians.

“While preparations for the Anambra State gubernatorial election are on, the commission should also activate its Election Project Plan (EPP), Strategic Programme of Action (SPA), the 2022 – 2026 Strategic Plan and Strategic Plan Implementation Programme (SPIP) for the 2027 general election.

“To whom much is given much is expected, INEC should know that fellow compatriots count on it for transparent elections that will usher in visionary leaders who will transform the nation.

“The commission should justify the confidence reposed in it, put its act together and improve on previous performance.

“There is no doubt that the conduct of a successful election is a collective responsibility of stakeholders. It is the reason we must rebuild trust in the electoral process. Low voter turnout in previous elections is worrisome and a sad commentary in our democratic process.

“This narrative must change! We must continue to work together in ensuring electoral integrity, the sanctity of the ballot box and the mandate of the people.

“Therefore, IPAC urges stakeholders to support the commission in discharging its statutory duties essential in consolidating and strengthening our constitutional governance,” Dantalle noted.