IPAC Rejects Amended ANSIEC Law, Vows To Challenge In Court
The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the umbrella body representing all 18 registered political parties in Nigeria, has strongly condemned the recent amendments to the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) Law. In a press release issued in Abuja on August 16, 2024, IPAC declared the amended law a “blatant attack on democracy” and vowed to challenge it in court.
According to IPAC, the new electoral law, which was swiftly passed by the Anambra State House of Assembly, undermines the democratic process and violates both the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act of 2022. IPAC described the law as “retrogressive and anti-democratic,” accusing the lawmakers of legislative recklessness and a deliberate assault on the rule of law.
IPAC expressed concern over a specific provision in the law, Section 24(11), which requires political party nominations for local government elections to be submitted by state or national party executives. The council argued that this provision undermines the authority of national party leadership and could lead to confusion and abuse of power.
The council warned that the law could destabilize the political landscape in Anambra State and called on Governor Charles Soludo to refrain from conducting the upcoming local government elections under what it described as an “obnoxious law.” IPAC emphasized its commitment to resisting any form of dictatorship or anti-democratic actions, stating that it would take legal action to ensure the protection of Nigeria’s democracy.
IPAC also reiterated its stance on the need for local government financial autonomy and advocated for the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), which it claims have impeded democratic processes. The council called on the Anambra State government to set aside the law immediately to avoid unnecessary litigation and political upheaval.
The developments in Anambra State have drawn national attention, raising concerns about the implications for future elections and the broader democratic process in the country.
Ndu Okpaeleze can give us an update on the latest about this report.
