By CHARLES IWUOHA

A new executive committee of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Ebonyi State chapter, has been elected and inaugurated, with the newly elected State Chairman, Mrs Queendarlyn Nwigwe, pledging to deepen democracy, promote transparency and foster peaceful coexistence among political parties in the state.

The election and inauguration, which took place at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Office, Abakaliki on Monday, were witnessed by the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Inter-Party Affairs, Hon. Philip Okorie, the Director-General of the Inter-Party Advisory Council and National Chairman of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Prince Chinedu Obi, political party leaders, electoral officials and other stakeholders.

Mrs Nwigwe, who represents the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the council and is also the APC Women Leader in Ebonyi State, emerged as the new State Chairman.

Other members of the newly inaugurated executive are Bishop Constant Edward of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Deputy Chairman; Chief Peter Ozuma of the Action Alliance (AA), Secretary; Evangelist Kate Ohakam of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Deputy Secretary; Hon Ogodo Stanley of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Organising Secretary; Juliet Nwinya of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Publicity Secretary; Mercy Nwogbala of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Treasurer; and Paschal Ani of the Accord Party, Financial Secretary.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs Nwigwe acknowledged that the election experienced initial challenges but expressed confidence that the new executive would strengthen unity within the council.

"It is true we started with glitches, but I know that when good things are coming, this is how it starts. God has already unveiled the glitches to me, and by His grace, everything will be well," she said.

She assured members that her administration would be transparent, inclusive and committed to strengthening democracy.

"IPAC is transparent. IPAC is committed to promoting democracy. I will carry my colleagues along. I will be as transparent as possible. I am not perfect, but as a politician and an electoral officer committed to promoting democracy in Nigeria, I will do my best," she said.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the inauguration, Mrs Nwigwe said her administration would focus on improving communication among political parties and ensuring a peaceful political environment across Ebonyi State.

"Political parties operate under one umbrella committed to deepening democracy. We are going to enhance communication among political parties, ensure elections are conducted properly and create a peaceful environment for all political parties to thrive. Ebonyi will remain peaceful during elections, campaigns and other democratic activities," she stated.

Responding to concerns over her simultaneous position as APC Women Leader, Mrs Nwigwe said the dual responsibility would not affect her performance as IPAC chairman.

"Women are naturally multitasking. With proper planning and effective time management, both responsibilities will receive the attention they deserve," she added.

She also stressed that electoral contests should be determined by the will of the electorate.

"Political parties are free to present their candidates. We should all go to the polls, and whoever works hard and secures the mandate of the people should emerge victorious," she said.

Earlier, the Director-General of IPAC and National Chairman of the National Rescue Movement, Prince Chinedu Obi, commended the Ebonyi State Government for establishing a Ministry of Inter-Party Affairs, describing the initiative as a unique demonstration of commitment to inclusive democracy.

"I now see the need for the Inter-Party Advisory Council to be recognised to the extent that Ebonyi State has established a full-fledged ministry to handle inter-party affairs. I believe it is the only state with such a ministry, and we sincerely commend the government for this laudable initiative," Obi said.

He urged the new chairman to provide inclusive leadership and build on the peaceful political atmosphere already existing in the state.

"We are entrusting the leadership of all political parties in the state into your hands. We expect you to carry everybody along. We also appeal to the state government to continue promoting inclusive politics, especially as preparations gather momentum for the local government elections," he said.

In his remarks, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Inter-Party Affairs, Hon. Philip Okorie, congratulated the newly elected executive and assured them of the state government's continued support.

"The members of IPAC have demonstrated maturity throughout this process. On behalf of the Ebonyi State Government, I congratulate the new executive and assure you of an even stronger and more cordial working relationship.

"We shall work together as one family. The days of rancour are over, and I will do everything within my capacity to support the new leadership in advancing democracy and sustaining peace among political parties in Ebonyi State," Okorie said.

Also speaking, the former past Chairman of IPAC in Ebonyi State and Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, Dr Mrs Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, congratulated Mrs Nwigwe on her emergence and urged her to lead with fairness and impartiality.

"We expect peaceful coexistence among all political parties. The chairman should carry everybody along and avoid discrimination. Every political party should be treated equally because IPAC belongs to all registered political parties," she said.

Adibe-Nwafor, who noted that she was the first female Chairman of IPAC in Ebonyi State, described Mrs Nwigwe as the second woman to occupy the position and called on all political parties to support her administration.

"I congratulate her as the second female Chairman of IPAC in Ebonyi State. It is another milestone for women in leadership, and I encourage all political parties to give her the necessary support to succeed," she added.

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