Abuja — The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) says the November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election must be a model of credibility and inclusion, warning it will serve as a crucial gauge of public trust in Nigeria’s democracy before the 2027 general polls.
In a statement marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to “provide a level playing field for all the political parties and their candidates,” stressing that free, fair and transparent conduct in Anambra is essential to rebuilding confidence in elections.
“We should respect the sanctity of the ballot box and ensure that every vote is counted and counts in the overall result,” Dantalle said, adding that campaigns should focus on policies that affect citizens rather than “bitterness that undermines the electoral process.”
IPAC cautioned political actors against divisive rhetoric and appealed for issue-based engagement on security, the economy, jobs, education, health, and local governance. It also called on security agencies to uphold neutrality and professionalism, and on citizens, observers and the media to play their roles in safeguarding electoral integrity.
Extending Independence greetings, the council saluted Nigeria’s founding fathers for sacrifices that secured freedom from colonial rule and envisioned a united, equitable country. It urged Nigerians to use the anniversary for “sober reflection” and renew commitment to national service. “This is the only country we have,” the statement noted.
Reaffirming its role as the umbrella body of registered political parties, IPAC highlighted ongoing advocacy for special parliamentary seats for women and for party directorates on Women Affairs, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities to deepen inclusive governance. The council also referenced its facilitation of national dialogues on judicial and constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening institutions and electoral justice.
With the Anambra vote now less than two months away, IPAC said credible logistics, accessible polling, timely result transmission and transparent dispute resolution will be the benchmarks by which the exercise—and by extension Nigeria’s democratic trajectory—will be judged.
“Election is the beauty of democracy,” IPAC said. “Let us rebuild trust in the system ahead of 2027.”
