The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has issued a direct appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria, calling for immediate action to correct identified discrepancies between tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the versions officially gazetted. The council emphasized that this correction is vital for upholding the rule of law and maintaining governmental credibility.
IPAC's Call for Legal Rectitude and Electoral Preparedness
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the National Chairman of IPAC, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, stressed that resolving this legislative inconsistency is an essential act done in the national interest. Alhaji Dantalle firmly stated that "what is worth doing is worth doing well," urging all elected officials to adhere strictly to the principles of the rule of law.
Shifting focus to the electoral landscape, IPAC charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to begin robust preparations for the forthcoming 2027 general elections. The council's chairman emphasized the need for INEC to guarantee a truly level-playing field for all registered political parties. This, he noted, is the fundamental requirement for achieving transparent, credible, and peaceful electoral processes.
Appeal for Neutrality and Issue-Based Politics
Dantalle specifically called on the electoral body to maintain absolute neutrality in its operations. He advised INEC to conduct thorough test runs of its systems and procedures to avoid technical glitches that could undermine public confidence in future elections.
Furthermore, IPAC directed a crucial message to the political class. The council enjoined politicians across the nation to embrace issue-based politics as a cornerstone of healthy democracy. They were urged to categorically shun violence, vote-buying, and other malpractices, and instead promote peaceful democratic competition at all levels of government.
A Collective Responsibility for Nation Building
The IPAC national chairman also made a passionate call for active citizen participation in the democratic process. He highlighted upcoming elections, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) polls, the governorship contests in Ekiti and Osun states, and the pivotal 2027 general elections, as opportunities for Nigerians to exercise their franchise.
While advocating for heightened patriotism, national unity, and a sense of collective responsibility, Dantalle urged all citizens to play their part in peacefully strengthening democracy and improving national life in the coming year. He reiterated that nation-building is a collective effort requiring every citizen to contribute to promoting peace, justice, and prosperity.
Dantalle reaffirmed IPAC's unwavering commitment to collaborating with INEC and other critical stakeholders to deepen democratic norms, ensure credible elections, and fortify national stability. He concluded by stressing the need for prayers for the sustenance of democracy, security, and development in the New Year, encouraging optimism and confidence in Nigeria's future.
