2023 Elections: IPAC Chairman Says Nigeria Made Progress

The National Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC and the National Chairman of Action Democratic Party, ADP said Nigeria’s electoral process has served as a testament to the progress made in the country’s democracy.

Mr. Yabagi Sani stated this during a book presentation on : “The 2023 Elections in Nigeria: Actors, Intrigues & Winners,” which delved into the intricacies of the election.

The IPAC National Chairman while interacting with Voice of Nigeria said despite the progress made, there were challenges on the path to a more robust democracy as he urged the political class, state actors and non actors to enhance credible elections and good governance in the country.

Invaluable role

The authors, researchers, and everyone involved in the meticulous documentation of our electoral history have played an invaluable role in enhancing the understanding of the democratic evolution in Nigeria.

The author who are Dr(s) Theo Boufini, Edward Agbai, Edward Aigbedion, and Waribugo Sylva have provided opportunity to interrogate the processes, actions, and outcomes during the 2023 general election and the recently concluded off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States.

Mr. Sani said that the book serves as a mirror reflecting the highs and lows, the successes, and the areas where work need to be done in perfecting Nigeria’s electoral system.

The National Chairman of IPAC added that the book captured “the struggles of the early years of the fourth republic to the milestones achieved in recent times, each chapter unravels a piece of our collective history.”

He noted that Nigeria’s democracy is a dynamic entity that requires constant vigilance, adaptability, and improvement and must strive for a democracy that is inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the people.

He stated that the authors made “far reaching recommendations that include Strengthening of democratic institutions, Introduction of the Electoral College, Diaspora voting, Electronic Voting, Independent candidacy, Lengthy electoral adjudication process, Prosecution of election offenders, Revisiting of the Uwais Report on Electoral Reforms, and the ‘Judicialization’ of Elections in conclusion”.

He called on state actors to continue to work together towards building a stronger and more resilient democratic foundation for Nigeria.

Lateefah Ibrahim