IPAC backs SIEC to shift council election due to resurgence of Covid-19

From Uche Uche, Damaturu

Yobe state Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC), has declared the support of its members for the state Independent Electoral Commission to postpone the local government election scheduled to hold on the 5th of December, 2020 as a result of new incidences of the Covid-19 discovered.
Chairman of IPAC in the state, Alhaji Umar Kukiri made this known yesterday at a press briefing with newsmen at NANs office in Damaturu, the state capital.
Peoples Daily recalled that recently, the state executive chairman of the independent electoral commission, Dr Mamman Mohammed, called for a meeting of all legible registered political parties where he revealed the postponement saying it took the decision with a view to save lives.
The SIEC chairman has, during the meeting expressed hope of bringing the spread under control when he said state government is on top of the situation and the State Ministry of Health has taken positive steps to identify and isolate persons who have been in contact with the incidence cases.
Peoples Daily recalled that, when asked, during the meeting with SIEC, if IPAC was consulted before taking the decision to shift the election date and whether it supports the decision taken by the state independent electoral commission, Kukiri promised to brief newsmen after consultation with its members.
The IPAC chairman also used the occasion to call on state INEC to reconsider the position of 21 political parties with a view to allow them to participate in the coming council elections in the state.
“IPAC realized that when the Yobe state independent electoral commission started preparation for the election, inviting political parties for meetings, the 21 affected parties were not invited despite their recognition by the court judgement. IPAC therefore feel they should be considered and recognised,” Kukuri stated.