The Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) has called for public funding of the nation’s registered political parties to deepen democracy and good governance.
Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, the National Chairman of IPAC, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja, at the formal unveiling of the ‘IPAC Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028’ on deepening democracy in Nigeria, organised by IPAC and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) under the Nigeria Open Political Party (NOPP) project.
Dantalle stated that the action plan covers the goals and aspirations of political parties in Nigeria, including actions to ensure public funding for political parties and other initiatives.
He noted, “At the end of the constitutional reform committee exercise of the 10th National Assembly, issues related to affirmative action, implementation of Justice Muhammed Uwais’ electoral reform committee report 2008, and restoration of public funding for registered political parties will be discussed and integrated into the amended constitution.”
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The IPAC chairman emphasised the importance of the plan in the nation’s democratic space, especially as citizens face challenges such as economic stagnation, insecurity, and a lack of confidence in government at all levels.
Representing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Prof. Kunle Ajayi urged political parties to reduce tension by toning down negative rhetoric during campaigns. He also emphasised the need for political parties to deepen the inclusion of youth, women, and persons with disabilities in their activities.
Former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. Anyim Pius Anyim, called on IPAC to address salient issues in the political party system, such as the hijacking of party machinery by ‘money bags’ and lack of functional registers.
Adebowale Olorunmola, the Country Director of WFD, highlighted the importance of addressing “money politics” with the support of political parties, reiterating WFD’s commitment to supporting political parties in Nigeria to implement the plan.
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