The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has advised Anambra people to vote come out enmass and make their desired choice in the November 6 governorship election in the State
IPAC noted that the people of Anambra state must not give room for any loophole that the federal government could catch in to decide their fate in the choice of who becomes the next Governor of the state
Addressing journàlists yesterday at the IPAC National Secretariat in Abuja, the National Chairman of IPAC, Leonard Nzenwa, said there must be change of leadership immediately after the tenure of the incumbent Governor Obiano elapses.
The IPAC chairman, who doubles as National Chairman of Africa Action Congress (AAC), said “You are all aware that the Anambra State Governorship Election comes up on Saturday 6th November 2021. 18 political parties are participating in this crucial election that will redefine governance in Anambra State and deepen constitutional rule in Nigeria, more so, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that it will adopt electronic transmission of results during the exercise.”
“IPAC calls on all stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure the success of 6th November 2021, gubernatorial poll in Anambra State. We should all set aside individual differences and partisan politics, and work towards the success of this crucial election that will take the good people of Anambra State to the next level.
“Council urges all aggrieved people to sheath their swords and embrace peace in the interest of the State in particular and the nation in general. It is better to jaw-jaw than to war-war. Dialogue is vital in resolving individual and group differences and charting the way forward.
“Council calls on the youth to eschew violence in all its ramifications and shun political buccaneers masquerading as democrats whose stock in trade is to use them for electoral thuggery, ballot snatching and rigging to thwart the people’s mandate. It is time to jettison do-or-die politics, imbibe issue-based politics and embrace the people’s choice for governor. We must respect the sanctity of the ballot box as the symbol of democracy.”
He said it is obvious that democracy can only flourish in a peaceful environment, adding that it is the only hope of building a strong, united, stable, prosperous, equitable and just society.
According to him, a threat to democratic process is a threat to Nigeria’s nationhood, pointing out that it is unacceptable and must be resisted by all patriots.
IPAC, according to him, therefore calls on all stakeholders to rise to the occasion, defend Nigeria’s frail democracy and its institutions, and ensure that this Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra is successful and meets international standards.
Nzenwa, who is also the National Chairman of African Action Congress (AAC) said “Council urges eligible voters to turn out en masse and vote for their preferred candidates and ensure their votes count in the overall result. The era of vote buying and selling is over. The electorate should not sell their destiny for a mess of electoral porridge. They should vote according to their conscience as power belongs to the people.”
He charged INEC to provide a level playing field to all political parties and their candidates participating in the election and ensure electoral materials are provided, and voting starts as scheduled in all polling units in the State.
“The neutrality of INEC in this election will determine the survival of democracy in Nigeria. All eyes are on the commission and its officials as they discharge this onerous civic responsibility.
“Security agents should also discharge their duties professionally and ensure adequate protection of lives and property during the exercise. Security agents should equally release dedicated phone numbers for the people to call if there is any breach of the peace in their polling units.
“Let us go into this election as patriotic Nigerians, discharge our patriotic duties peacefully, consolidate our democracy and reap its dividends. We are all in it together. Together, we will make Nigeria great again and bequeath a decent democratic nation to future generations”, the Council pleaded.
