New IPAC exco takes over, as Sani vows Nigeria will emerge stronger after 2023

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The newly elected executive committee members of the Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC); the umbrella body of registered political parties in Nigeria, yesterday took over, even as the chairman, Yusuf Yabaji Dani, vowed to steer IPAC towards ensuring that the country emerged stronger from 2023 challenges.

The new IPAC leadership will steer the affairs of political parties for the next one year.

The newly elected executive committee includes: National Chairman, Engr Yabagi Yusuf Sani (Action Democratic Party), Deputy National Chairman, Mgbudem Maxwell (Accord Party), National Secretary, Alh. Yusuf Dantalle (Allied People’s Movement), Deputy National Secretary (Election suspended), National Treasurer, Obidike Okolo (National Rescue Movement), National Financial Secretary Dr Olu Agunloye (Social Democratic Party), National Publicity Secretary, Amb. Agbo Major (New Nigeria Peoples Party), National Organizing Secretary, Comr. Egbeola Olawale Martins (Young Progressives Party), National Legal Adviser Barr. Julius Abure (Labour Party).

In his remarks, National Chairman, Engr Yabagi Yusuf Sani said that a lot of challenges await the leadership and the general citizenry as the nation will once again, be tested in tackling critical issues that would be thrown up in our journey on the path of democracy.

Sani said, “IPAC must stand out among other stakeholders in ensuring that the country goes through the demands of the 2023 elections and come out even stronger as a united, virile and a thriving docracy.

“As I have pointed out in my manifesto and various other remarks regarding the just concluded election, I am coming on board the leadership of IPAC with the mission and vision of contributing my quota in the historical responsibility incumbent on this generation of Nigerians to nurture and deepen democracy and democratic institutions, culture and ideals in the quest to give to future generations.

“A country that is solidly built on the foundation of freedom, equity, justice and economic prosperity. Among the 14-point agenda contained in my manifesto, I will, as National Chairman, strive along with my members of the Executive, to uplift the profile of IPAC with the aim of re-positioning and re-invigorating it for greater capacity and efficiency as a catalyst of advancing democracy in the country.

“Emphasis will be placed on the reconstruction of bridges of goodwill and mutually beneficial relationships between IPAC and the three vital but organic arms of government: the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary which together, constitute the tripod upon which democracy is erected.

“To be given similar attention is the significance of reaching out and building synergies with home-based pro-democracy, Non-Governmental Organizations, governments of advanced democracies as well as, international agencies that promote democracy, good governance, free, fair and inclusive participation in electoral processes in developing countries.

“We shall be embarking on the task of projecting the progress and landmarks of democracy in Nigeria on the platforms of democratic nations with the anticipated benefits of engendering international goodwill, confidence and the concomitant attraction of various forms global support.”

According to him, the existence of multiple political parties is a defining feature of democracy and therefore, we must pay appropriate attention to the sustenance of multiparty democracy in Nigeria. This will be a bulwark against the dangers of a one-party state which is the harbinger of dictatorship and bad governance.

He further, said that IPAC under my leadership will devise strategies of ensuring the survival of viable, thriving and functional political parties built on the principles of internal democracy, commitment to the unity and greatness of Nigeria just as they serve as incubators of democratic culture and practice.