A body of all registered and recognized political parties in Nigeria and a critical stakeholder in the national democratic processes; Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC has called on all registered voters from the three States; Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi where the off-cycle election will be conducted not to exercise any fear in coming out en mass to exercise their franchise.
They further disclosed their Introduction of an innovation intervention through Election Result Management System, ERMS which they said will not only increase the confidence of the citizens in the electoral processes but also provide political parties with first hand information on election results.
IPAC stated this on Thursday at Golden Tulip Hotel, Owerri, while briefing newsmen during a Press Conference by the National Chairman, Engr. Yabagi Y. Sani, at the IPAC Voter Sensitization Exercise in preparation to the election newsmen in Owerri, the state capital.
Part of the release presented by IPAC Deputy National Chairman, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, on behalf of Sani, reads:
"It is in pursuit of the objectives of voter education that IPAC officials are in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States, where elections will take place simultaneously on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
"IPAC is calling on Nigerians, especially citizens in the three states to come out en-mass to exercise their rights to vote. The Voter sensitization and education program is a joint responsibility between political parties and the Independent Electoral Commission to ensure that citizens are mobilized, well informed, on their obligations in the electoral process.
"In recent times, the erosion of trust in the democratic process in Nigeria has resulted in increasing political apathy thereby weakening the very foundation of democracy.
"The outcomes of elections play a crucial role in shaping public perception. When citizens perceive electoral processes as flawed or manipulated, it erodes their trust in the democratic system. Fair and credible elections are essential for fostering a sense of legitimacy and trust in the government.
"In the light of the above IPAC is introducing an innovative intervention through Election Results Management System ERMS which has recently brought to the attention of INEC Chairman, all 19 National Chairmen, as well as all the Governorship Candidates in Bayelsa, Imo & Kogi States. In particular, the Candidates have been told that they can utilise the ERMS even after the election.
"The ERMS Collation module is ready to commence operation on 11 Nov 2023, and capable of displaying the results on www.ipac.ng/erms. The PU results will not be real-time online, but the collated results will be ahead of those of INEC at the Ward, LG, and State Collation Centres.
"This innovative intervention by IPAC will not only increase the confidence of the citizens in our electoral processes but also provide political parties with first hand information on election results.
"However, political parties have to be more patriotic because the activities of political actors who are perceived to be corrupt and prioritizing personal gain over the public good fuels disillusionment and cynicism which pose significant challenges to the functioning of democracy.
"Addressing insecurity, ensuring transparent electoral processes, and holding political actors accountable for their actions are crucial steps in restoring faith in Nigeria's democracy. It's a collective responsibility to work towards creating a political environment that fosters trust, encourages civic engagement, and ultimately strengthens the democratic fabric of the nation.
"It's crucial for the people of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi to take control of their destinies and resist any actions that could undermine the democratic principles that should guide the electoral process.
"Thuggery, vote buying, and rigging are detrimental to the democratic process and can erode the trust that citizens have in their elected representatives. By resisting these negative influences, citizens can contribute to the creation of a fair and transparent electoral environment.
"Citizens should prioritize candidates who genuinely represent their interests and are committed to the welfare and development of their respective States.
"Furthermore, I admonish INEC to work diligently in persuading our security agencies to play by the rules of engagement and resist the temptation of being used by desperate politicians. The involvement of security agencies in the electoral process must be based on professionalism, neutrality, and a commitment to the defense of our democracy, rather than partisan interests. The citizens must feel secure in their participation in the electoral process, knowing that their safety and security are assured.
"It is also of paramount importance that INEC ensures the timely and secure delivery of both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to the various polling units. Delays or mishandling of these materials can lead to suspicion and undermine the credibility of the entire election.
"As we go into these off-season elections, we implore all political parties, civil society organizations, and all citizens to play their part in creating an environment that fosters trust ,and confidence in our electoral processes. Together, we can ensure that the people's will prevails and that our democracy continues to grow stronger."
Other members of IPAC present in the conference were: Mrs Chinyere Kalu; National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbeola Martins; National Organizing Secretary, Prince Dr. Chinedu Obi, Director-general, and Iche Levi Ekeh
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