IPAC calls for review of political parties nomination, EoI fees

IPAC calls for review of political parties nomination, EoI fees
Joel Oladele, Abuja

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has raised concerns over the high cost of Expression of Interest and Nomination charged by political parties in Nigeria.
This call was made by the National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf M. Dantalle, during a speech delivered at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) quarterly meeting in Abuja on Monday, 13th May 2024.
Dantalle who also doubles as the National Chairman of Allied People’s Movement (APM), also emphasized the need to boost internal democracy and curb the imposition of candidates.
Recall that INSIDE BUSINESS recently reported how three leading political parties, All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) amassed whooping N2.3 billion from sales of Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms to their aspirants ahead of the forthcoming Edo and Ondo States governorship elections.
The IPAC Chairman pointed out that the country was approaching significant milestones, including the One Year anniversary of current elected officers, 25 years of uninterrupted democracy since 1999, and 101 years of the formation of political parties.
Dantalle stressed the importance of deepening and strengthening democracy in Nigeria while condemning divisive politics and actions that could undermine the democratic process.
He urged politicians to adhere to democratic ideals, ethics, and ethos, emphasizing the need for political parties to strictly follow their constitutions in conducting internal processes such as congresses, primaries, and conventions.
“This month, specifically 29th May, 2024 marks the One Year anniversary of the current elected officers, 25 years of uninterrupted democracy since the restoration of civil rule on 29th May, 1999. Sixty four Years of Political Independence and One Hundred and One Years of the formation of a Political party
The question is, How far have we gone in deepening/strengthening democracy in Nigeria?
“It is food for thought and calls for sober reflection in the quest for a strong, united, progressive, equitable and just democratic nation.
“Our hard earned democracy must be sustained. It should not be allowed to derail by the activities of anti-democratic and reactionary forces.
“INEC, leaders of Political Parties, civil society organizations, security agencies, Judiciary, The Press and citizens must be firm and decisive in protecting the nation’s democracy and forestall political upheavals as we currently have in some parts of the country.
“We condemn in strong terms politics of bitterness, do-or-die politics and divisive politics that have tendencies of undermining our emerging democracy.
It is unacceptable! Politicians must abide by democratic ideals, ethics and ethos, and desist from inflammatory utterances and actions that could impede our constitutional government.
“More importantly, political parties must adhere strictly by their constitutions in conducting congresses, primaries and conventions.
“The high expression of interest and nomination fees charged by some political parties should be reviewed despite being internal affairs of the parties. IPAC will continue to engage party leaders on this among; others that will curb imposition of candidates and boost internal democracy as we strive to make Nigeria better,” he said.
Dantalle also expressed concerns about the low voter turnout in recent elections, calling for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to mobilize eligible citizens to register and participate in the electoral process. He emphasized the importance of an updated Register of Voters maintained by INEC to protect citizens’ right to vote effectively.
“Accordingly, leaders of political parties must live by example in deepening democracy by ensuring an environment conducive for successful elections, political stability and peaceful electoral process in Nigeria. It is one way of restoring trust and confidence in the electoral system which will bolster voters turnout in elections.
“We are deeply concerned by the low voters turnout in recent years particularly in the 2023 general election. It calls for concerted effort by all stakeholders in the electoral process.
“For democracy to succeed, it is very important that eligible citizens are active participants. It is obvious that your vote is your voice; for your voice to be heard you must register to vote. Effective voter register ensures that citizens’ right to vote is protected. It is imperative that INEC maintains updated Register of Voters in real time,” IPAC Chairman stated.
Expressing concerns over changing defection of lawmakers, he noted that measures must be put in place to stop it, adding that the upcoming Edo and Ondo Elections offer INEC another opportunity to boost confidence of Nigerians in the electoral process.
“Frequent cross carpeting by national and state legislators is inimical to sustainable democracy. It is the remote cause of crisis in political parties and State Houses of Assembly, particularly when legislators decamp with impunity without cogent reasons. This must stop.
“Electoral Offences Commission is critical in the effort to sanitise our electoral process. The rate of electoral offences is alarming. It builds distrust and questions the integrity of elections.. Offenders must be duly punished to serve as a deterrence to others.
“All eyes are on INEC to conduct free, fair, credible, acceptable and inclusive elections. With adequate preparation, functional BVAS and capacity to upload results in real time on its IReV portals, Nigerians will once more have confidence in the electoral system where every vote will be counted and count in the overall result.
“Our commitment in deepening democracy in Nigeria will yet again be tested in the Edo and Ondo gubernatorial elections. We are all in it together for successful elections.” Dantalle said.