By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) firmly asserts that elected officials who switch political parties after winning elections should automatically forfeit their seats. This act, known as cross-carpeting, is likened to political robbery, deemed unfair and unjust, and is seen as a hindrance to the nation’s democracy. IPAC’s National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, conveyed this stance during the inaugural South South IPAC Leadership Conference hosted by the Rivers State chapter, themed ‘Good Governance and Security as Panacea for Grassroots Development’, held in Port Harcourt.
IPAC advocates for an end to cross-carpeting by elected legislators without valid justifications. It should be completely abolished, and individuals who defect after winning elections under different party banners should be stripped of their positions. This practice is considered political theft, unfair, unjust, and detrimental to the nation’s democratic principles. In a constitutional democracy such as ours, the vitality and integrity of political parties serve as essential foundations for effective governance.
It is crucial that we continually strive to enhance the capabilities and inclusivity of political parties to ensure they genuinely represent the diverse voices and aspirations of our populace.
As the Edo and Ondo gubernatorial elections approach, Dantalle, who also serves as the chairman of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), urges voters to reject vote buying and ballot box tampering. When citizens fail to actively engage in electoral processes and hold public officials accountable, the result is inadequate leadership and poor governance. Citizen participation in governance is fundamental to the realization of the benefits of democracy observed in developed nations.
This is why their governments either work in their favor or face removal in subsequent elections, and leaders who violate laws are investigated, prosecuted, and potentially incarcerated to deter others from similar actions. Therefore, good governance commences with electing competent, resourceful, visionary, and practical leaders through free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections.
Elections are the essence of democracy. This is why IPAC stresses the importance of transparent elections and mobilizes eligible voters to register and exercise their voting rights in all electoral processes. The Council urges all voters in the upcoming Edo and Ondo gubernatorial elections to turn out in large numbers to cast their votes and ensure their voices are heard in the final results.
The Council also calls on INEC to ensure a fair playing field for all political parties and candidates participating in the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, guaranteeing that all election materials and equipment are sufficient, tested, and in optimal condition to prevent any disruptions that could compromise the integrity of the polls.
Voters should refrain from engaging in vote buying, violence, and electoral fraud. Citizens should not compromise their future for short-term gains and then spend the following years lamenting hardships and poor governance. We must actively uphold our democracy and hold governments at all levels accountable, as this is the essence of a democratic society.
