Williams Akpan, Calabar
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State, has unveiled a comprehensive programme of governance assessment, political engagement and peace-building activities as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
The programme comprises a statewide assessment tour of all 18 local government areas, a Political Parties and Stakeholders’ Conference and a statewide peace walk involving candidates and supporters of different political parties.
In a press statement signed by its State Chairman, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, the council said the initiatives reflected its commitment to democratic principles, political tolerance, accountable governance and the protection of the constitutional rights of legally recognised political parties.
IPAC maintained that democratic development depended on constructive engagement, mutual respect and responsible political opposition. It noted that political parties should be able to pursue their legitimate interests without intimidation, harassment or violence.
The council disclosed that its appeal to Governor Bassey Otu for a peaceful and level political playing field had received an encouraging response.
It also acknowledged the governor’s directive for the arrest of perpetrators of attacks on political actors, describing the action as significant to democratic protection.
Calling for restraint among political actors, IPAC declared that “No political ambition should be pursued at the expense of human lives, public peace or the democratic rights of others.”
It urged parties to prioritise dialogue, issue-based campaigns and responsible communication.
The proposed assessment tour, according to the council, will examine government projects, their implementation status and their impact on communities.
It will also identify developmental gaps and generate recommendations for improved service delivery.
IPAC emphasised that the exercise was not an attempt to undermine the government, declaring: “IPAC is neither an enemy of government nor a political instrument of government.”
The exercise will commence on November 10 with visits to Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku, followed by Boki on November 12. The delegation will visit Bakassi and Akpabuyo on November 16; Ogoja and Yala on November 17; and Biase, Akamkpa and Odukpani on November 18.
The remaining visits will cover Ikom, Etung and Obubra on November 19; Yakurr and Abi on November 20; and Calabar South and Calabar Municipal on November 21.
Local government authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations, women and youth groups have been invited to participate.
The council will subsequently convene a Political Parties and Stakeholders’ Conference on November 30 at Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar. Scheduled for 2 pm, the conference will operate under the theme, “2027 Elections: From Voices to Votes — Process, Participation, Security and National Stability Beyond 2027.”
The conference will examine electoral integrity, citizens’ participation, political inclusion, election security, institutional accountability and peaceful political competition.
INEC, security agencies, government representatives, political parties, traditional rulers, religious institutions, civil society organisations and the media are expected to participate.
Another major component of the programme is the statewide Political Parties Peace Walk scheduled for December 5 at 9am.
The march will commence from 11/11 Roundabout, Calabar, under the theme, “Unity in Diversity, Peace for a Greater Cross River.”
IPAC has invited candidates contesting governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly elections, as well as their supporters, to participate.
It stressed that the event would not serve as a platform for political campaigning but as an expression of collective democratic responsibility.
The council said the initiative was intended to demonstrate that political competition could coexist with mutual respect, insisting that ideological differences should not threaten the state’s stability.
“Our collective objective is to build a political environment where every party has a voice, every candidate has the freedom to participate, every citizen has a vote and every government remains accountable to the people,” the statement concluded.
For a better society
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