The Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Dantalle has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against lapses during the forthcoming Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.
Dantalle made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at the consultative meeting with leaders of political parties on the review of INEC regulations and guidelines for political parties.
IPAC was duty-bound to draw both national and international attention to evident shortcomings in the current electoral legal framework—shortcomings that have the potential to impede, weaken, and destabilise our hard-earned democracy.
He stressed that Nigerians participated actively in the public hearings on the Constitution and Electoral Act amendments, with the expectation that their contributions would culminate in a progressive, inclusive, and people-oriented Electoral Act.
Dantalle said: “Unfortunately, the Electoral Act 2026 falls far short of these expectations. Rather than advancing our democratic journey, it represents a significant regression one that must be urgently addressed in the national interest.
“It is particularly concerning that this contentious Electoral Act formed the basis upon which INEC released the timetable and schedule for the 2027 general election.
“This has inadvertently placed immense pressure on political parties, especially those outside government thereby constraining their ability to effectively prepare and contribute to building a strong, inclusive, and stable democratic nation.
“In this regard, IPAC firmly demands that the National Assembly, as a matter of urgency, revisit and amend the Electoral Act 2026. Specifically, the provision mandating direct primaries must be reconsidered, and the option of indirect primaries restored.”
Dantalle maintained that the choice of candidate selection methods remains an internal affair of political parties and must not be subjected to undue legislative interference.
He pointed out that the requirement for political parties to submit their membership registers including members’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) within the limited timeframe of 1st to 21st April 2026 is impractical and exclusionary.
Dantalle noted that this provision risks disenfranchising a large segment of Nigerians who lack access to NIN registration facilities.
He said in the spirit of inclusivity and participatory democracy, this requirement should be expunged.
IPAC warned the commission must be zero lapses in the forthcoming Osun and Ekiti governorship elections.
Dantalle stated: “As we look ahead to the Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections, INEC must demonstrate preparedness, professionalism, and technological efficiency, particularly in the deployment of BVAS and the IReV portal.
“There must be zero tolerance for lapses. The credibility of the Commission is at stake, and public confidence hinges on the assurance that every vote will count.”