By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Ebonyi State chapter, has urged political parties and their supporters to embrace constructive criticism and peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The IPAC Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Queendaline Nwaigwe, made the call while speaking on the level of preparedness of political parties for the elections and the activities of parties since the commencement of the campaign period.
Nwaigwe said political parties in the state had become active in their preparations, noting that candidates were already consulting with stakeholders and mobilising their supporters ahead of the polls.
She said the recently concluded local government elections also demonstrated that political parties had the opportunity to participate in the electoral process, citing the participation of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite its failure to win any seat.
According to her, IPAC, as an umbrella body for political parties, would not support character assassination, falsehood or unconstructive criticism by individuals or groups claiming to speak on behalf of political parties.
“IPAC is a mother hen to all political parties, both APC, PDP, NDC, APGA and every other political party. IPAC will never stand by any political party or persons from political parties that choose to indulge in character assassination and unconstructive criticism,” she said.
The IPAC chairman expressed concern over what she described as the increasing use of social media to attack political leaders, urging political actors to use the platforms responsibly.
“We should be able to say the truth and say it the way it is. Social media is becoming an agent of destruction as far as I am concerned, and it is unwarranted,” she said.
Nwaigwe, who is also the state women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the ruling party had performed well in the state, adding that political parties should focus on issues and allow voters to make their choices.
She, however, stated that her position as IPAC chairman required her to remain neutral among political parties, stressing that the council’s responsibility was to promote peace and provide a platform for political parties to coexist.
“IPAC is not an opposition party. IPAC is a mother hen to all political parties. All we are preaching is peace. Let there be room for openness for political parties to campaign and let the election be free and fair,” she said.
Nwaigwe further disclosed that IPAC had engaged the police ahead of the elections and was planning further engagement with the Department of State Services (DSS) as part of efforts to promote peaceful political activities in the state.
She said the council would continue to encourage political actors to accommodate one another, regardless of party affiliation, stressing that the people would remain together after the elections.
“Devoid of party lines, beyond politics, it is still Ebonyians. We should learn to accommodate each other,” she said.
On the political environment in Ebonyi, Nwaigwe said the state government had provided what she described as a conducive environment for political parties to operate, adding that the participation of opposition parties in the recent local government election was evidence of such political space.
She urged political parties and their supporters to avoid actions capable of triggering crisis before, during and after the 2027 elections.
“They should remember that after the election, they will still be in Ebonyi State,” she said.