Politics
THE Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Lagos State Chapter, said that it boycotted the stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) over concerns about the commission’s conduct.
IPAC disclosed this in a letter jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Mrs Akinade Temilola, and Mrs Adeyemi Abiola respectively, and addressed to the Chairman of LASIEC, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.
The council said the decision was unanimously reached by member political parties after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the invitation and previous engagements with the commission.
IPAC explained that the notice for the meeting was inadequate and did not allow sufficient time for consultation among political parties.
“The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Lagos State Chapter, wishes to formally notify your office of its decision not to honour the meeting convened by LASIEC.
“This decision was reached unanimously by member political parties after careful consideration of the circumstances surrounding the invitation and our previous engagements with the commission.
“Firstly, the notice of the meeting was received barely twenty-four hours before the scheduled time, which we consider. inadequate for meaningful consultation among political parties and their leaders on matters of public importance,”the letter said.
The council also expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the 2025 Local Government Elections in the state, alleging that the elections fell short of acceptable standards of credibility, fairness and transparency.
“IPAC, Lagos State remains deeply dissatisfied with the conduct of the 2025 Local Government Elections. The elections fell short of the standards of free, fair, credible and transparent elections.
“As a result, the council unanimously passed a Vote of No Confidence in the Chairman and Board of Commissioners of LASIEC,”it said.
The council further accused LASIEC of failing to accord due recognition and respect to political party leadership during the local government elections.
According to IPAC, the situation created unnecessary tension and weakened confidence between the electoral body and political stakeholders.
“During the 2025 Local Government Elections, the commission failed to accord due recognition and respect to the leadership of political parties in Lagos State.
“This created unnecessary tension and weakened the confidence expected between the electoral body and key democratic stakeholders.
“In view of the foregoing, IPAC Lagos State Chapter considers it inappropriate to participate in the proposed meeting and the forthcoming bye-election,”it further reads.
IPAC, however, reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and credible electoral processes in the state.
The council said it would continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening democracy and improving election administration in Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that LASIEC on Tuesday announced plans to conduct by-elections on June 23 to fill vacant councillorship seats in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA and Somolu Local Government Area.
The commission said the exercise became necessary to ensure continued democratic representation and effective grassroots governance following the death of councillors representing the affected wards.
The affected wards are Ward C (Orimedu I) in Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Ward H (Kayode/Fadeyi) in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA and Ward F (Bajulaiye) in Somolu LGA.
LASIEC directed all registered political parties to obtain nomination forms for their candidates at its headquarters in Sabo, Yaba, and comply with the timetable and guidelines issued for the by-elections. (NAN)
F.O
Tags: IPAC LASIEC