By Haruna Aliyu, Birnin Kebbi

In continuation of their social interactions with critical stakeholders in election industry, delegations of the Inter-Party Advisory Council IPAC, visited the Kebbi State Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC) on Thursday for the second time to find out reasons behind their refusal to conduct local government elections in Kebbi.

IPAC officials, led by the state chairman,Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammed, told commission members that their struggle is to ensure sustainable democracy, which is only possible through elections, as all political office holders are beneficiaries and products of elections.

Therefore, it is surprising that such categories of people are slowing democracy at grassroots level.

In view of the above, we are giving a 3-month ultimatum to Kebbi government to conduct local government elections, or we will use available legal means to ensure the right is done at the right time.

“It’s clear we have exhausted possible peaceful avenues to get the election done from the state assembly, where we rejected the appointments of local councils sole administrators; we also rejected the mundane law to the state electoral body; we will not accept anything short of elections within three months,” he said.

In his response, the permanent commissioner, KSIEC, Alhaji Ahmadu, told IPAC that elections are not possible without funds and approval for their conduct.

He added that, for over six months, the commission had written to the state government for funds and approval, but till today, there have been no funds or approval.

“We will continue to push for approval and funds just as we are seeking your collaboration and continued interaction to enable us to reach a common understanding and secure the date of elections before the ultimatum expires.

Recall that IPAC was at the state assembly complex for the same reason, where they raised concerns over delays in the conduct of the polls and the need to review the existing local council law permitting governors to appoint sole administrators for local governments.