Anambra State’s new Electoral Law has sparked strong opposition from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which condemns it as a direct assault on democracy.
IPAC has declared its intention to challenge the legislation in court, citing its violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act of 2022.
Expressing their resolve to combat any form of dictatorship or anti-democratic elements, IPAC referenced past Supreme Court rulings on similar unconstitutional laws.
Reportedly, the Anambra State Electoral Law 2024 swiftly passed all readings on a single day in preparation for the Local Government elections scheduled for September 28, 2024.
In a strongly-worded statement endorsed by its National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, IPAC criticized the law as regressive and undemocratic, pledging to challenge it legally in defense of democratic principles.
The statement emphasized the need to uphold the rule of law and denounced the legislative maneuverings aimed at furthering political ambitions at the detriment of democracy.
IPAC reiterated its commitment to combating the erosion of democratic values and stressed the necessity of legal action to restore integrity to the electoral process.
Highlighting the discrepancy between the law and constitutional provisions, the Council pointed out the alarming constitutional violation inherent in the newly enacted Anambra legislation.
Emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Constitution and the Electoral Act, IPAC underscored that any law conflicting with these foundational principles is null and void.
Further criticisms were directed at the State House of Assembly for what was deemed a blatant disregard for national laws and an abuse of legislative power.
IPAC connected the controversial law to broader issues within the electoral process, advocating for reforms to ensure transparency and credibility in elections.
The Council urged the Anambra State government to reconsider the legislation promptly to avert potential legal disputes and financial waste.
Amidst calls for upholding the tenets of democracy, IPAC cautioned against the destabilizing effects of legislative overreach by state authorities.
Concluding with a call for collective efforts to safeguard democracy, IPAC stressed the need for nurturing democratic values for the benefit of society.