We Will Uphold Transparency Fairness In The Electoral Process — IPAC Chair
BY: Edirin Robinson
Hon. Ahmad Tijjani Mustapha, Chairman of the Interparty Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) in Kaduna State, has said that IPAC is established to facilitate dialogue, protect the interests of political entities, and uphold the principle of transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Mustapha spoke during the IPAC General Assembly and inauguration of Steering Committees, which was held in Kaduna on Saturday.
The event was attended by the leadership and members of all the political parties that constituted IPAC, officials of the State Independent Electoral Commission, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC ), and other stakeholders.
Speaking further, Hon.Tijjani Mustapha said, “While I welcome you all for finding time out of your busy schedules to attend our State General Assemble and Steering Committees inauguration, with me in this (IPAC) General Assembly are elected Executives of Interparty Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) Kaduna state and the 19 political parties chairmen or their representatives.”
“Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) is the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria with the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC as a member. The Interparty Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) serves as an institution in Nigeria’s democratic landscape, embodying the collaborative spirit of all registered political parties in the nation.”
“IPAC is established to facilitate dialogue, protect the interests of political entities, and uphold the principle of transparency and fairness in our electoral process.
IPAC holds a vital position in ensuring the vibrancy and creditability of Nigeria’s Democracy and Good Governance.”
“IPAC as custodian of democratic ideals, norms, good governance and also as beacon of democracy will under our leadership continue to play a vital role in shaping Kaduna State’s political landscape and promoting the collective interest of the people, government and its diverse political parties by enabling good governance and accountability in the polity.”
“We were elected and sworn in on the 5th of February 2024. In our 7 months of stewardship, we are proud to mention that we can create a sense of belonging and direction for IPAC .”
“For the first time after the last IPAC’S five years of administration without a bank account, our term was able to get a bank account for IPAC. Also, after another 5 years of operating without Steering Committees, which is indicated in our code of conduct of IPAC, we are still proud to say we are doing an inauguration today.”
”I want to thank you all for coming and my Executives for standing firm by me and to my other party Chairman, I thank you for making IPAC strong and united. We can demonstrate the strength of our collective resolve to overcome adversity by strengthening our political parties and deepening internal democracy.”
”IPAC in Kaduna State is now a united team, and with your collective advice, suggestion, and wise counsel, we will recreate a new IPAC with a positive direction and vision,” he said.
In his remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor of Kaduna State on Stakeholders Relations, Dr.Abdul Ahmed Isiaq, who was the pioneer DG of IPAC, said the Kaduna State Government operates an open government, and her doors were open for constructive criticism from members of all political parties.
According to him, now is the time for IPAC to engage the electorate, especially members of the various political parties, in political education and voter sensitization ahead of the Local Government elections scheduled to take place in Kaduna State soon.
He said aggrieved politicians should explore the avenues to channel their grievances to them, rather than going to the media or the court of public opinion.
In his goodwill message, Professor Joseph Gambo, a Commissioner at KAD-SIECOM, urged IPAC to conduct elections as at when due for its Executive Committee (EXCO) and avoid constituting a Caretaker Committee, which is not supported by their constitution.
There were similar goodwill messages from Alhaji Dahiru Usman, who represented the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, and from the Women Leader of the ADP, Rahinatu Mohammed, who prayed for the success of the Leadership of IPAC in the state.
The immediate past IPAC Chairman in the state and now Adviser to the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Malam Mikailu appealed for maximum cooperation from the parties for the success of the incumbent IPAC leadership in Kaduna State.
The highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of the various Steering Committees for the smooth running of IPAC in Kaduna State.
