IPAC Clarifies Position on Anambra Local Government Elections
The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Anambra State has officially responded to circulating reports suggesting a planned boycott of the upcoming local government elections. According to the council's leadership, no such official statement has been issued regarding political parties abstaining from the polls scheduled for August 28, 2026.
Social Media Statement Denied by IPAC Leadership
A press statement that recently surfaced on various social media platforms claimed that IPAC in Anambra State would not participate in the local government elections organized by the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC). However, IPAC Chairman Uche Ugwoji has categorically denied the authenticity of this document, stating it did not originate from the council's official channels.
During an exclusive telephone interview, Ugwoji emphasized: "I am not aware of such statement. It did not come from IPAC. Was the statement signed? Did you see my signature there? Of course, no! IPAC, as a body, has not come up with any official statement about the position of political parties concerning the proposed August 28 local government elections in the state."
Controversy Over Nomination Form Fees
The disputed social media statement had raised significant concerns about ANSIEC's alleged unilateral decision to fix nomination form fees for the elections. According to the circulating document, ANSIEC reportedly set the cost for chairmanship nomination forms at five million naira and councillorship forms at one million naira during a stakeholders meeting on December 4, 2025.
The statement questioned ANSIEC's authority in this matter, arguing: "When did it become the duty of ANSIEC to fix the cost of nomination forms unilaterally? If ANSIEC should fix cost of nomination forms, what then becomes the duty and functions of political parties? If this usurpation of the functions of political parties is allowed to stand, political parties have become willing tools to the rape of our democracy."
It further described the fees as "prohibitive" and suggested they could compromise electoral integrity by favoring the party in power.
IPAC's Official Position Pending
Chairman Ugwoji clarified that IPAC has not yet taken any formal position regarding the upcoming elections. He explained that if necessary, the council would convene a meeting of political parties to discuss the matter and issue an official statement outlining their collective stance.
"IPAC has not taken any stand concerning the election," Ugwoji stated. "If the need be, we shall convene a meeting of political parties and come up with a statement indicating our position. But for now, we've not taken a stand. What is circulating on the social media did not emanate from us, please."
Background Context
This clarification comes amid ongoing discussions about electoral processes in Anambra State. The state has experienced various security challenges, including previous incidents where gunmen ambushed police patrol teams, highlighting the complex environment in which these elections will take place.
The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission announced the August 28, 2026 date for local government elections, marking an important democratic exercise for grassroots governance in the state. IPAC's role as an advisory body for political parties makes its official position on electoral participation particularly significant for the political landscape.
As the election date approaches, stakeholders will be watching closely for official communications from both IPAC and ANSIEC regarding nomination processes, campaign guidelines, and other electoral arrangements that will shape the democratic process at the local government level.
