INEC Under Pressure!” – IPAC Raises Concerns Over ADC Crisis, Demands Caution On Voter Revalidation

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review its recent handling of the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that failure to do so could lead to a credibility crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council also raised concerns about the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise, describing its timing as questionable, while condemning the ongoing killings in Plateau State.

In a statement issued in Abuja by IPAC National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Wale Martins, the council cautioned that recent actions by INEC could heighten political tensions.

IPAC specifically criticised the removal of the names of prominent political figures from INEC’s official portal, describing the move as premature and capable of destabilising the political environment.

The council warned that such actions, if not carefully handled, could set a negative precedent and weaken public confidence in the neutrality of the electoral body.

It further stressed that internal disagreements within political parties do not necessarily amount to a leadership vacuum, urging INEC to exercise restraint in its interpretation of party disputes.

IPAC also expressed reservations about INEC’s plan to conduct a nationwide voter revalidation exercise, noting that the timing could place additional pressure on political parties and risk disenfranchising eligible voters if not properly coordinated.

According to the council, introducing another nationwide exercise without adequate consultation could overwhelm stakeholders and disrupt the electoral process.

It therefore called on INEC to reconsider the timing of the exercise to ensure broader participation and avoid excluding citizens from the democratic process.

On security, IPAC condemned the continued violence in Plateau State, describing the killings as unacceptable and a threat to national unity.

The council called for swift action to apprehend and prosecute those responsible, including any individuals behind the attacks.

IPAC emphasised that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when elections are credible, institutions remain stable, and citizens are able to participate in a safe and secure environment.