The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Engr. Yusuf Yabaji, has expressed fears that Nigeria may lose its democracy soon following the actions of politicians and other stakeholders.
In an interview with newsmen, Yabaji said that the forthcoming general elections may not prove the wishes of Nigerians, as he disclosed that incidents of delegates buying during the primary elections of some political parties shows politicians’ desperation to thwart the mandate of the electorates. He equally lamented that the inability of security agencies “that are trained and specially paid to stop such practices”, to do the needful, portends grave danger for the upcoming polls.
This is as he also lambasted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies which reportedly arrested persons involved in vote-buying at the Ekiti State gubernatorial elections, for failure to prosecute the culprits. He regretted that by delaying to prosecute those caught buying and selling votes at the Ekiti elections, the security agencies have denied the country the justice it needed.
The IPAC National Chairman further called on Nigerians and stakeholders to interrogate the sources of wealth of politicians ahead of the 2023 general elections. This is as he expressed fear that Nigeria could lose its democracy, noting that “people’s confidence in this system of government is continuously being degraded day by day if you look at the economic, security and even the unity situation of the country itself. It gives one serious concern”.
On the chances of opposition parties in the generation elections, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) Chieftain called for collaboration, insisting that “we must close ranks to see how we can achieve positive change. And positive change means that we are not going to continue to do things the same way”.
He disclosed plans by opposition parties to field a presidential candidate they believe can win the poll, adding that IPAC is doing everything it could to create the needed harmony for cohesion among political parties.
