IPAC Threatens To Boycott Ekiti Poll Over PDP’s Exclusion
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ekiti State has threatened to boycott the June 20 governorship election if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is excluded from participating in the poll.
The Ekiti State Chairman of IPAC, Mr Owoola Daramola, described the alleged exclusion of the PDP governorship candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, as dangerous to Nigeria’s democracy, warning that it could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
Daramola spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday during a protest by PDP members at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office over the party’s omission from the published list of candidates for the election.
Following the protest, INEC officials, IPAC leadership and PDP leaders held a meeting at the commission’s office to address the issue.
According to Daramola, IPAC intervened after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the PDP’s exclusion, adding that preliminary findings by the council indicated that the party conducted its governorship primary election in line with due process and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
He warned that the unlawful exclusion of any political party would erode public confidence in the election and set a dangerous precedent for the country’s democratic system.
“In Nigeria today, the narrative must change. Elections must be free, fair and credible. We cannot go into an election where a political party is illegally excluded. IPAC will not support such an exercise, and we will not be part of any election that undermines democratic principles,” Daramola said.
Speaking on behalf of the PDP, a former deputy governorship candidate of the party, Mr Deji Ogunsakin, described the party’s exclusion as shocking and unjustified, describing it as a direct threat to democratic principles.
Ogunsakin said the PDP was fully prepared for the June 20 governorship election and had complied with all constitutional and electoral requirements.
He stated that the party conducted its governorship primary in line with the Electoral Act, noting that INEC officials monitored the exercise which produced Oluyede as the party’s candidate.
The PDP leader warned that preventing the party from participating in the election could undermine the credibility of the poll and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
He accused unnamed political actors of attempting to suppress opposition parties out of fear of electoral contest, warning that such actions could destabilise the state if not addressed.
Ogunsakin stressed that Ekiti had a long history of competitive politics and should not be reduced to a one-party state, adding that democracy thrives on inclusion, competition and the free choice of the electorate.
He called on INEC to urgently resolve the issue in the interest of peace and democracy, assuring that the PDP remained committed to lawful and peaceful engagement.
Addressing the protesters, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said the issues raised by the PDP were beyond the purview of the state office.
Omoseyindemi, who was represented by the Head of Department, Election and Party Monitoring (EPM), Mr Kehinde Mustafa, explained that matters relating to the publication of candidates’ lists were handled by INEC’s national headquarters.
He advised the PDP to direct its grievances to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja for necessary consideration, stressing INEC’s commitment to neutrality, professionalism and strict adherence to the Electoral Act and its guidelines.
He added that the commission remained focused on conducting a transparent and peaceful governorship election in Ekiti State.
A journalist with a speciality in politics, judiciary, and investigation for in-depth stories as a correspondent, among others. He covers all segments of Ekiti State, providing a platform for the people to air their views on issues affecting them.
