IPAC Urges Strict Compliance With INEC Guidelines During Party Congresses
By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi
Birnin Kebbi – Nigeria News Today | The Bureau News
The Kebbi State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on political parties conducting congresses ahead of the 2027 general elections to strictly comply with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines and constitutional provisions.
The council said adherence to electoral laws remains critical to strengthening internal democracy and ensuring credible party primaries across the country.
Speaking in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Kebbi State Chairman of IPAC, Faruku Garba (NATO), stressed that transparent and impartial congresses are essential for producing credible leaders and sustaining democratic stability.
IPAC Warns Against Irregular Congresses
Garba stated that fair congresses serve as the foundation for successful party primaries and credible elections, warning that irregularities during internal party processes could trigger litigations capable of destabilising political parties.
According to him, political parties that fail to conduct transparent congresses risk internal crisis and unnecessary rancour that could weaken their chances during elections.
“Prompt, genuine and impartial party congresses are the litmus test for credible and transparent party primary elections,” he stated.
He added that good leadership can only emerge through a fair and democratic internal process.
“Good leaders are produced through fair congresses and are vehicles parties can use to strengthen internal democracy and achieve success during elections,” he added.
Call for Compliance With Electoral Laws
The IPAC chairman urged political parties in Kebbi State and across Nigeria to ensure that all internal activities align strictly with INEC regulations and constitutional provisions guiding party congresses and primaries.
“We are closely monitoring developments in the ongoing party congresses, and we admonish political parties to ensure seamless exercises to avoid political rancour,” he said.
Garba warned that political parties that fail to comply with laid down rules and constitutional provisions could face sanctions, including possible de-listing.
“Parties may risk being de-listed for refusing to follow the laid down rules provided in the constitution and INEC guidelines,” he warned.
Commendation for Kebbi Government
The IPAC chairman also commended the Kebbi State Government under Governor Nasir Idris for creating what he described as a level playing field for political parties to participate freely in electoral activities within the state.
The Bureau News reports that political parties across Nigeria are currently conducting congresses and consultations ahead of the scheduled primaries for the 2027 general elections.
