The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has described the upcoming Anambra State governorship election as a crucial “litmus test” for the newly appointed Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu.
Speaking at the quarterly consultative meeting with political parties in Abuja on Tuesday, IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, congratulated Agbamuche-Mbu on her appointment but immediately highlighted the high expectations citizens have for the Commission under her leadership.
“With new leadership, citizens’ expectations are high, very high. We urge INEC to put its acts together and get it right in the November 8, 2025 election,” Dantalle said, noting that a successful exercise will set the tone for the 2026 governorship polls and the 2027 general election.
While pledging IPAC’s full collaboration, the council unveiled a set of reform proposals awaiting action by the National Assembly.
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Among them is the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and transferring the responsibility for local government elections entirely to INEC.
Other proposals include the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, restoring public funding for political parties, and removing the executive’s power to appoint INEC’s top officials to safeguard its political independence.
“After 26 years of democracy, it is time we get it right. Nigerians deserve credible, inclusive elections that deliver the dividends of democracy,” Dantalle said.
The IPAC chairman’s statement signals a push for sweeping electoral reforms aimed at strengthening institutional integrity and ensuring that future elections are free, fair, and transparent.