Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has advised political parties presenting candidates for the forthcoming Kogi Gubernatorial Election not to impose any candidate because this can lead to mass defection of party supporters.
State chairman of IPAC, Mr. Ibrahim Itodo said this during an interview with News Agency of Nigeria in Lokoja.
Itodo also warned parties to strictly adhere to the code of conduct so as to ensure a smooth and fair election.
He said “One of the codes emphasises on the conduct of free, fair and transparent party primaries, which is central to good conduct of the main election on Nov. 21. This is because imposition of candidates is disastrous and it can lead to defection of party supporters to other political parties.
“Now that we have Permanent Voter Card (PVC) and Card Reader, any party that imposes an unpopular candidate on the people will have itself to blame. This is because the electorate will always want to prefer any party that fields the most popular candidate.”
He added that political parties should always invite IPAC and INEC to observe the conduct of their primaries.
He said “There is a synergy between these two bodies; INEC and IPAC are collaborating to ensure that there are credible party primaries, and free, fair, credible and acceptable gubernatorial election.”
Kogi Guber elections will hold on Novermber 21.