By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle has secured another two-year term as National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) after winning Monday’s national election in Abuja, where eight other candidates also emerged as national officers.

The poll, conducted at the IPAC National Secretariat and monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), followed the formal presentation of the screening report by Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, and the Committee’s Secretary, Ina Okopi-Agu.

Both officials confirmed that every aspirant met the requirements set out in the guidelines.

Chief Nwanyanwu said: “Let me also give you the reports of the Screening Committee in accordance with Clause C of the general guidelines for the 2025 IPAC National Poll, which mandates the physical screening of all aspirants. A total of 11 aspirants were duly screened for the 9 available national positions.”

He explained that two aspirants each contested for National Chairman and National Financial Secretary, while the remaining seven positions had single aspirants.

“In line with the approved guidelines, all the aforementioned aspirants have been successfully screened and formally cleared to contest in the IPAC national polls today,” he added.

At the end of voting, Dantalle was returned as National Chairman. The other elected officers are Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim (Deputy National Chairman), Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem (National Secretary), Maryam Garba Bagel (Deputy National Secretary), Dr Dipo Olayoku (National Treasurer), Chinyere Kalu (National Organising Secretary), Dr Umar Mohammed (National Financial Secretary), Martins Egbeola (National Publicity Secretary) and Barr. Obed Agu (National Legal Adviser).

In his acceptance speech, Dantalle described the outcome as a strong vote of confidence from political party leaders nationwide.

“Today is a remarkable day in the history of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC). I am humbled by the confidence leaders of Political Parties reposed in me by renewing my mandate for another two years as National Chairman of IPAC, the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria. I am overwhelmed by the outcome of this election” he said.

Dantalle commended the peaceful conduct of the poll, saying it reflected the maturity of party leaders.

“Political party leaders have demonstrated again that they could conduct a free, fair, credible, transparent, acceptable and peaceful election without rancour,” he stated.

Looking back on his tenure, Dantalle highlighted institutional reforms, including the creation of Directorates of Women, Youth and Persons With Disabilities and the transformation of the IPAC Code of Conduct into a constitution that enforces gender balance.

“Our Executive reviewed the IPAC Code of Conduct and transformed it into a Constitution that is binding to all registered political parties in Nigeria… where a male person is elected or appointed into a substantive office as a principal, the deputy shall be a female person and vice versa,” he said.

Dantalle also pointed to achievements such as publishing 100 Years of Political Parties Evolution in Nigeria, ongoing production of an IPAC documentary, and strengthened partnerships with development organisations.

He noted that international engagements, including a training programme for party leaders in China, had boosted IPAC’s visibility and acceptance.

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, Dantalle said the Council would intensify its coordination efforts.

“IPAC will keep growing from strength to strength as we collaborate with stakeholders and citizens to build a strong, virile, united, equitable and inclusive democratic nation.

“The tasks ahead are enormous, by God’s grace we will surmount them and build a better society future generations will be proud of,” he added.

With the new leadership now constituted, IPAC enters another cycle expected to shape internal party governance and strategic political engagement in the build-up to 2027.