The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reverse its decision in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership dispute or risk a credibility crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by IPAC National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, the council expressed concern that recent developments could erode public trust in the electoral process and weaken democratic participation.
On the ADC leadership issue, IPAC said:
“The reported removal of the names of Distinguished Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from INEC’s official portal appears premature and capable of creating avoidable instability within the polity.
“If not carefully managed, such actions may set a troubling precedent and undermine confidence in the neutrality of the electoral umpire.
“In cases of internal party disagreements, it must be clearly understood that leadership structures, even when contested, do not amount to a vacuum.”
The council also raised concerns about the timing of a proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise, warning it could disenfranchise millions.
“The timing of the proposed Nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise raises serious concerns.
“At a period when critical stakeholders… are already burdened with numerous obligations… introducing an additional nationwide exercise without broad consultation… risks disenfranchising millions of eligible voters.
“We therefore urge INEC to reconsider the timing of the exercise to prevent an overly congested electoral environment that may ultimately exclude, rather than include, more citizens in the democratic process.”
On security, IPAC condemned ongoing killings in Plateau State, describing them as a threat to national unity.
“These senseless acts of violence are unacceptable and pose a serious threat to national unity and security.
“It is imperative that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, along with their sponsors, are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.”
IPAC added that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive where elections remain credible, institutions are stable, and citizens feel safe.