The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged eligible voters in Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra to shun apathy and come out and vote for candidates of their choice.
The National Chairman of IPAC, Dr. Leonard Nzenwa, who said this on Wednesday in Abuja, stated that if they do not choose their next governor, President Muhammadu Buhari will choose for them.
He said this at the end of an emergency meeting of the council attended by the leadership of all the 18 registered political parties.
Nzenwa said, “Eighteen political parties are participating in this crucial election that will redefine governance in Anambra State and deepen constitutional rule in Nigeria, more so, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that it will adopt electronic transmission of results during the exercise.
“IPAC calls on all stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure the success of 6 November 2021, gubernatorial poll in Anambra State. We should all set aside individual differences and partisan politics, and work towards the success of this crucial election that will take the good people of Anambra State to the next level.
“Council urges all aggrieved people to sheath their swords and embrace peace in the interest of the State in particular and the nation in general. It is better to jaw-jaw than to war-war. Dialogue is vital in resolving individual and group differences and charting the way forward.”
He also urged the youth to eschew violence in all ramifications and shun “political buccaneers masquerading as democrats”.
He said, “It is time to jettison do-or-die politics, imbibe issue-based politics and embrace the people’s choice for governor. We must respect the sanctity of the ballot box as the symbol of democracy.”
The IPAC boss, therefore, urged all stakeholders to rise to the occasion, defend Nigeria’s frail democracy and its institutions, and ensure that the Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra is successful and meets international standards.
Nzenwa, who is also the National Chairman of African Action Congress (AAC) said, “Council (IPAC) urges eligible voters to turn out en masse and vote for their preferred candidates and ensure their votes count in the overall result. The era of vote buying and selling is over. The electorate should not sell their destiny for a mess of electoral porridge. They should vote according to their conscience as power belongs to the people.” (Daily Trust)
