Anambra guber: Eschew violence, don’t snatch ballot boxes, IPAC tells youth

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on youths in Anambra to desist from being political thugs to politicians and disrupt the upcoming Anambra State gubernatorial election.

The IPAC National Chairman, Dr Leonard Nzenwa, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja also commended the Nigerian Senate for passing a Bill that supports electronic transmission of results.

Dr Nzenwa said the election is the beauty of democracy, and peaceful transfer of power after a free, fair and credible election is the hallmark of representative governance.

He said the ballot is sacrosanct, and the mandate of the people freely given in an election must be respected for sustainable democracy in the country.

Accordingly, IPAC called on stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure the success of 6th 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 calls on the youth to eschew violence in all its ramifications and shun political buccaneers masquerading as democrats whose stock in trade is to use them for electoral thuggery, ballot snatching and rigging to thwart the people’s mandate.

“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.

“It is obvious that democracy can only flourish in a peaceful environment. It is our only hope of building a strong, united, stable, prosperous, equitable and just society,” he said.

He said a threat to democratic process is a threat to our nationhood, and it is unacceptable and must be resisted by all patriots.

“IPAC calls on all stakeholders to rise to the occasion, defend our frail democracy and its institutions, and ensure that this Saturday’s governorship election is successful and meets international standards.

“Council 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,” he noted

Dr Nzenwa, however, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to provide a level playing ground for a smooth election.

“INEC should provide a level playing field to all political parties and their candidates participating in the election and ensure electoral materials are provided, and voting starts as scheduled in all polling units in the State.

“The neutrality of INEC in this election will determine the survival of democracy in Nigeria. All eyes are on the commission and its officials as they discharge this onerous civic responsibility.

“Security agents should also discharge their duties professionally and ensure adequate protection of lives and property during the exercise. Security agents should equally release dedicated phone numbers for the people to call if there is any breach of the peace in their polling units,” he added.

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Anambra guber: Eschew violence, don’t snatch ballot boxes, IPAC tells youth