The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC says it will provide a level playing field for all political parties to participate in the 2023 general election.
INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu stated this in Abuja at the opening of annual summit of political parties organised by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Sudies NIPPS
Represented by a National Commissioner Dr Adekunle Ogunmola, INEC Chairman appealed to leaders of Political Parties to make themselves available and contribute towards strengthening the nation’s democratic governance.
The INEC Chairman said he believed that when all stakeholders including Youths, Women and People with disabilities are carried along in all the political process, there would be no room for suspicion.
In a remark, the National Chairman Inter Party Advisory Council IPAC Dr Leonard Nzenwa said Political Parties are ready to support efforts to address the current security challenges.
According to IPAC Chairman, the situation if not urgently addressed, could lead to Voter apathy which could hinder full participation of electorates during Election.
He noted that IPAC would closely monitor activities of political parties to check imposition of candidates and crises after primaries..
In an address, the Acting Director General of NIPPS, retired Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Udaya said the Institute would continue to collaborate with development partners in building the capacity of political parties to effectively perform their critical roles.
Rtd Brigadier General Udaya emphasized that the Summit would equip the players in the political system to be more organised, vibrant and inclusive for democratic stability of the country.
The Theme of the Summit is: Political Parties and Democratic Stability in Nigeria: Setting Agenda for 2023 General Election.
Kayode Oyedare