By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja

Following the recent Supreme Court judgments affirming the election of four state governors, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has urged the reelected leaders to shift their focus from litigation to governance.

In a statement on Sunday, Dantalle congratulated Governors Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Alex Otti (Abia), emphasizing the need for them to prioritize the pressing concerns of their constituents.

He stated, “The time has now come to transition from the courtroom to the critical tasks at hand. 

“Our governors must embrace the mantle of leadership with an unwavering commitment to the security, economic prosperity, job creation, and infrastructural development that their people so earnestly need.”

Dantalle commended the losing candidates for their maturity and respect for the rule of law, noting that their conduct has helped to uphold the stability of Nigeria’s democracy. 

“Their acceptance of the Supreme Court’s decisions has shown a commendable commitment to democratic principles and the peace and stability of our nation,” he said.

In a call for unity, the IPAC Chairman encouraged the victorious governors to be magnanimous and to work inclusively with all stakeholders. 

He stated, “Now is the time for building bridges across political divides, ensuring that governance in our states is a collective effort

“I extend my warm wishes and congratulate each governor on their affirmed mandate, and I call on them to reach out and work collaboratively with all parties for the benefit of their states.”

Dantalle also praised the political community for its peaceful conduct during and after the legal proceedings. 

He attributed the absence of conflict to a shared dedication to democratic tenets and legal processes.

Dantalle reaffirmed IPAC’s dedication to advancing peaceful and credible elections, inter-party dialogue, and advocating for effective governance. 

“IPAC stands ready to support all political actors in the journey towards a more vibrant and inclusive democracy.

“Together, we can ensure that the dividends of democracy are felt in every corner of our great nation,” he added. 

The Supreme Court’s decisions mark the end of election disputes in Kano, Plateau, Ebonyi, and Abia states.

With these rulings, IPAC’s message is clear: it is imperative that elected officials and political stakeholders come together to fulfill their responsibilities to the Nigerian people and to strengthen the country’s democratic foundations.