Dr Mutiu Agboke, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, has urged members of the InterParty Advisory Committee (IPAC) to be supportive toward improving the nation’s democratic system.
Agboke made the plea on Thursday while receiving the newly-elected executive members of IPAC in the state, led by its Chairman, Mr Dare Ojo.
The REC said that the collaborative efforts of stakeholders would sanitise the nation’s political system and administration, saying no angel would come to Nigeria to do it.
According to him, IPAC is to create synergy with INEC to enhance the nation’s democratic growth.
He said that, as a platform, should always enhance dialogue and arbitrate among the political parties when the need arises.
“For the partnership to continue, you must ensure that we are on the same page with what INEC is doing in Nigeria.
“IPAC, from the knowledge point of view, should be able to speak on activities of the commission whenever the public is not clear about certain decisions of the commission.
“So, don’t rely on hearsay, but come forward for clarification when you are confused on any issue, we want a positive partnership.
“Come to me if there are issues you don’t understand instead of blackmailing.
“IPAC should be able to collaborate with INEC in the area of mobilisation and awareness for their respective party members.
“I want to hear you on so many advocacy platforms; let there be proper engagement, such as media engagement,” he said.
Agboke urged IPAC members to mobilise their party members and eligible Nigerians about the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).
He added that the committee members should prevail on the electorate to collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC), pointing out that over 700,000 PVC were still in custody of the commission in the state.
“Again, change the stereotype, because you’re politicians and being IPAC members does not say you should be biased and be as if you don’t know what you are doing.
“As IPAC members, your responsibility is to coordinate political parties and should understand what governance is all about.
“If the ruling party is doing well, IPAC should be able to identify it, when you’re critisising government for not doing well.
“Members of the public should be able to see that you’re critisising, not because you’re in the opposite side.
“Make noise where you want government to improve because you’re all stakeholders in the act of governance,” REC said
Agboke urged IPAC members to always pursue peaceful and harmonious existence and should not allow personal interest to jeopardise the interest of the generality of the public as preparations toward 2023 elections had started.
Earlier, Ojo said that the new executive of the committee came to renew the robust relationship with the cocommission.
He promised that IPAC would continue to build on the relationship by supporting all activities of INEC, toward developing and sustaining democracy in the country.
Ojo, also the State Chairman of African Democratic Party (ADP), commended the REC for his contributions toward the successful conduct of the 2019 general elections in the state.(NAN)
