By Henry Umoru

ABUJA- AHEAD of 2027 Presidential and general elections, the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC and other political leaders have called for stronger democratic participation, unity and respect for electoral processes.

The Stakeholders made the call during an Iftar (breaking of fast), Thursday night gathering organised by Lilian Adebayo that brought together politicians, civil society representatives and members of the media.

Participants at the gathering prayed for peace, national unity and continued progress in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Speaking at the event, the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Sadiq Umar Gombe who stressed the importance of unity, religious tolerance and constructive political engagement in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, said that gatherings such as the Ramadan Iftar provide opportunities for political stakeholders to reflect on shared national values and strengthen cooperation across party lines.

Professor Gombe noted that while political actors were present at the event, the gathering was primarily a social and religious engagement aimed at promoting dialogue and mutual understanding.

The SDP chairman also commended the media, describing it as the “fourth estate of the realm,” and acknowledged its role in informing citizens and promoting democratic accountability.

Also speaking, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the SDP, Adewole Adebayo, emphasised the need for policies that encourage greater citizen participation in governance and elections.

According to Adebayo, the spiritual significance of Ramadan, particularly the emphasis on humility and accountability, should guide the conduct of political leaders and public officials.

He noted that Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity remains a major strength and should inspire leaders to promote justice, tolerance and national unity.

The SDP candidate also urged political institutions to create an environment that encourages Nigerians to actively participate in elections, stressing that voter participation is essential for democratic legitimacy.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle who called for policy adjustments in Nigeria’s electoral framework to enhance democratic participation, expressed concern over provisions such as indirect party primaries and the mandatory use of the National Identification Number in political processes, which he said could potentially limit broader participation in politics.

He urged political stakeholders and the leadership of the ruling party to support reforms that would strengthen Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and ensure inclusiveness.

The IPAC chairman also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to strictly adhere to electoral rules, noting that public expectations for future elections remain high.