By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) has thrown its weight behind the Niger State Independent Electo...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) has thrown its weight behind the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC) in its preparation to conduct local government elections across the state on November 1, 2025.
The Chairman of IPAC in Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Bello Maikujeri, made this known during a press conference held on Saturday at the council’s secretariat in Minna.
Hon. Maikujeri commended NSIEC, under the leadership of Engr. Imam Gawu, for introducing mechanisms that promote inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability in the electoral process. He noted that the commission has created a judicial platform where any political party with grievances can file complaints in accordance with the Niger State Electoral Act.
He explained that NSIEC had submitted the election timetable as early as March 6, 2025—well ahead of the six-month requirement introduced by new regulations approved by the National Assembly. Previously, local government elections were held within three months of notification.
According to the guidelines, chairmanship candidates are required to pay a non-refundable administrative fee of ₦300,000, while councillorship candidates will pay ₦100,000.
Maikujeri further disclosed that out of the 19 registered political parties in the state, 10 have so far met the conditions required to participate in the elections.
He addressed the internal conflict within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the state, stating that due to unresolved leadership issues and failure to notify NSIEC of any official change in logo or structure, the NNPP is among the nine parties disqualified from participating in the upcoming polls.
“The law is clear,” Maikujeri said. “Any party changing its leadership or logo must officially inform the commission. Since NNPP has not done so, the party is ineligible to contest in the elections.”
Meanwhile, IPAC congratulated Governor Umar Mohammed Bago on completing two years in office. In a joint statement signed by Hon. Mohammed Bello Maikujeri and the Council’s Secretary, Aliyu Muhammad, IPAC lauded the governor for initiating developmental projects described as unprecedented in the state's political history.
The group also called on the state government to prioritise security, stressing that the growing challenges of terrorism, kidnapping, and farmers-herders clashes have worsened poverty, unemployment, and corruption.
“To ensure peace and good governance, there is a need for strong action on security, investment in education, job creation, anti-corruption measures, and dialogue to resolve communal disputes,” the statement read.
On political cooperation, IPAC acknowledged cordial relations with the Bago administration, particularly through the office of the Political Adviser, which it said facilitates effective coordination with all political parties in the state.
The council also expressed condolences to the people of Mokwa Local Government Area following a flood disaster that resulted in loss of lives and properties. It urged the government to take proactive steps to protect vulnerable communities from future environmental hazards.
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