From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Kaduna State Chapter held its highly anticipated 2026 state executive elections on Thursday, 19th February 2026, marking a pivotal moment for inter-party collaboration and democratic governance in the state.
The event, which followed weeks of postponements and debates over candidate eligibility, proceeded smoothly and peacefully, with strict adherence to IPAC’s electoral guidelines. Observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) praised the process for its transparency and inclusivity, noting it as a model for future inter-party activities amid Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
The elections focused on filling key positions in the new executive council, including Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Organising Secretary, Publicity Secretary, and Legal Advisor.
These roles are crucial for fostering dialogue among political parties, coordinating with INEC, and promoting fair electoral practices at the state level.
The proceedings kicked off at 4:00 p.m. as stipulated by the IPAC elections committee with an opening prayer and the rendition of the National Anthem, setting a solemn and unified tone for the gathering.
This was followed by a welcome address by the host IPAC Chairman, Hon Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, who emphasized the importance of unity among member parties and adherence to IPAC’s constitution, particularly guidelines on term limits and fair representation.
Next, the Electoral Committee was formally introduced, headed by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Hon Yahaya Makama of ZLP, as its National Secretary, and by Mr Bishop Magba of NRM as its Financial Secretary, as the impartial representatives tasked with overseeing the process.
The committee’s Chairman, Hon Yahaya Makama, then delivered a brief address, outlining the rules, timelines, and expectations for a credible election.
He reiterated IPAC’s commitment to disqualifying ineligible candidates, including those seeking a third term in violation of Guideline Number 5, which bars individuals from contesting the same position after two terms.
Delegates were accredited, and representatives from various political parties presented their credentials for verification.
This step ensured only authorized and eligible voters participated, with INEC observers monitoring to prevent irregularities.
The screening and confirmation of candidates was a critical phase in which aspirants for the nine positions underwent rigorous checks. Documents were reviewed for compliance with IPAC rules, including proper party authorization and term eligibility.
Controversies arose over some candidates, including those from disputed factions within parties such as the Labour Party (Abure-led vs. Nenadi Usman-recognized), the Action Alliance (AA) led by Ahmed Omo Aje, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and the Action Peoples Party (APP). Still, the committee resolved these by adhering to court judgements, IPAC directives, and the constitution.
A formal motion to dissolve the existing IPAC Council was moved by Mohammed Auwal Yunusa Adamu of the Youth Party (YP) and seconded by Hon. Yahaya Alhassan Marafa of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), paving the way for the transition.
This was quickly followed by a motion to elect the new IPAC Council, which received unanimous support from the delegates.
The core of the event, the conduct of the election (voting process), began thereafter. Delegates cast their ballots in a secure, open manner, with provisions for privacy and oversight to maintain integrity.
Voting was organized by position, starting with the Chairman and proceeding through Deputy Chairman, Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Organising Secretary, and Legal Adviser.
Immediately after voting, the counting, sorting, and collation of votes took place in full view of all participants and observers.
The process was methodical, with results tallied position by position to ensure accuracy and transparency. No major disputes were reported during this stage, thanks to the committee’s efficient handling.
The results were announced promptly, with winners declared based on the highest valid votes. A candidate from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, emerged as the new Chairman, for a potential second term (having served only one term).
Other positions were filled by representatives from various parties: Ziphora Bijeh Samuel of NRM as Deputy Chairman, Hon Adamu Abubakar Idris of the SDP as Secretary, Mrs Naomi Magaji of APGA as Deputy Secretary, and Hon Yusuf Solomon Danbaki of the Labor Party (LP) as Legal Adviser.
Yahaya Alhassan Marafa of APM was elected as Treasurer, Joshua Ishaku of ZLP as Organizing Secretary, Hon. Kawu Yakasai of APC as Financial Secretary, and Mohamed Auwal Yunusa of YP as Publicity Secretary.
The successful conduct of the elections has been hailed as a significant step towards strengthening inter-party cooperation and democratic processes in Kaduna State.
