The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has provided an explanation about the absence of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from the upcoming re-run elections in Plateau State, particularly in the northern region.
In a statement released on Friday, IPAC’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinyere Oge-Kalu, dissociated the national body from a recent press conference held by its Plateau State chapter, which criticized the exclusion of the PDP.
Oge-Kalu stated that the action taken by the Plateau chapter does not reflect IPAC’s national position. She explained that during a meeting held in Abuja on December 18th, 2024, all political parties, including the PDP, were informed about a court ruling that prevented their participation in the Plateau re-run. The decision was aimed at ensuring a fair electoral process and was unanimously agreed upon by all parties present.
She said, “Although the court judgement is being challenged by the concerned political party, it is unwise for any individual or group of individuals under any guise to engage in any action capable of inciting violence or derailing the fragile peace in Plateau State.
“Therefore, the action of the Plateau State chapter is misguided, as it is not a representation of the outcome of the consultative stakeholders’ meeting held by INEC with the leadership of all political parties on the 18th December 2024 at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
“The leadership of the Council in Plateau State is cautioned and advised to operate within the ambit of the Code of Conduct, as matters of this nature are exclusively within the purview of the National.
“All stakeholders in Plateau State and other States where the re-run elections will be taking place are urged to eschew violence and go out peacefully to exercise their franchise by electing credible individuals that will best serve their collective interest.”