By Nkechi Eze
The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties to recommit themselves to the highest standards of credibility, transparency and internal democracy as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Dr. Dantalle made the call while delivering a speech at the INEC consultative meeting with leaders of political parties held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, 5 February 2026.
He noted that the meeting was the first formal engagement between political party leaders and INEC since Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, assumed office as Chairman of the Commission, describing it as a timely platform to strengthen collaboration and deepen Nigeria’s democratic practice.
While congratulating Professor Amupitan on his appointment, the IPAC Chairman said political stakeholders must work collectively to consolidate, deepen and strengthen democracy in line with the high expectations of Nigerians for a better, stronger and more prosperous nation.
“The responsibility before us is enormous. Nigerians’ expectations for a better, stronger and more prosperous democratic nation are exceedingly high,” Dantalle said.
He stressed that as the electoral umpire, INEC bears a profound constitutional duty and must remain “independent, neutral, fair, firm and decisive” in conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive.
According to him, “INEC must always provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, mindful that its integrity is tested each time citizens go to the polls.”
Dr. Dantalle drew attention to persistent leadership disputes within some political parties and urged INEC to be guided strictly by the constitutions of the respective parties when handling such matters, particularly in relation to the leadership it recognises and publishes on its website.
“Such recognition confers legitimacy and determines the official leadership with which the Commission engages. Adhering to this principle will dispel perceptions of bias, complicity or interference in internal party affairs,” he said.
He added that strict adherence to party constitutions would also reduce the volume of litigations that have disrupted party activities, prevented some parties from fielding candidates and created uncertainty about their relevance and viability.
Describing the situation as detrimental to sustainable democracy and national development, the IPAC Chairman further urged political parties to explore IPAC’s internal alternative dispute resolution mechanisms instead of rushing to court, noting that the Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that courts lack jurisdiction over internal party leadership disputes.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Dr. Dantalle said that after 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, 66 years of independence and over a century of political party development, there should be no excuse for elections that fall short of credibility and public acceptability.
“As we approach the eighth general election under INEC’s supervision, we must resolve to get it right. There should be no excuse for elections that fall short of credibility, transparency and public acceptability,” he stated.
He therefore urged political parties to uphold internal democracy and comply strictly with their constitutional provisions in the nomination of candidates and changes in leadership.
“There must be no room for the imposition of candidates or unlawful tenure elongation in violation of party constitutions. As party leaders, we must lead by example and uphold democratic values, ethics and principles,” Dantalle said.
The IPAC Chairman also called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the harmonisation of the electoral legal framework ahead of the next general election, stressing that time is of the essence.
He recalled that IPAC had consistently advocated for the mandatory real-time transmission of election results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), describing it as critical to restoring public trust and confidence in the electoral process.
“Citizens expect an improved electoral framework that restores trust and confidence in the democratic system, one in which every vote counts and the people’s mandate is respected,” he said, adding that “the sanctity of the ballot is the foundation of durable democracy, and we must defend it.”
Turning attention to upcoming elections, Dr. Dantalle said the February 2026 Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory presents another opportunity for INEC to justify the confidence Nigerians have reposed in the Commission.
He noted that the FCT Area Council election remains the only council election conducted by INEC that has consistently produced competitive outcomes, with multiple political parties winning seats, in contrast to elections conducted by many State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).
Consequently, he reiterated IPAC’s long-standing position that SIECs should be scrapped and INEC empowered to conduct all elections nationwide, given its institutional expertise and capacity.
Dr. Dantalle also advocated for the conduct of all elections on the same day, arguing that such an approach would reduce costs, prevent bandwagon effects and address voter fatigue and low turnout associated with staggered elections.
He added that the conduct of the FCT Area Council election, as well as the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, would send strong signals about what Nigerians should expect in 2027.
“The Commission must rise to the occasion. Indeed, the eyes of the nation and the world are upon us,” he said.
Reaffirming IPAC’s commitment as the umbrella body of all registered political parties, Dr. Dantalle assured that the Council would continue to work closely with INEC and other stakeholders to deepen democracy, foster political stability and create an environment conducive to credible elections and the well-being of Nigerians.
“Together, we shall build a stronger and more resilient democratic nation that future generations will be proud to inherit,” he concluded.
