TheInter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has said that it is consideringa nationwide boycott of local government elections to entrench credibility and provide a level playing field for free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections where it matters most.

IPAC believes this will be achieved throughaggressive advocacy,stating that it willsimultaneously embark onit andpursue an appropriate legal framework at the National Assembly.

This was contained in a 10-point communique issued by the Council after a three-day retreat in collaboration with theNational Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS),held in Lagos to equip the new IPAC leadership with requisite tools for effective leadership.

The Council also talked tough on sanctions against ‘erring IPAC leadership at the subnational level mortgaging the collective interest of political parties for pecuniary gains’.

Other resolutions of the Council are:

Thedevelopment of an implementable strategic plan for IPAC within the remaining life-span of the current leadership built around a clear-cut vision, mission and objective.

Improve levels of engagements among political parties and other relevant stakeholders.

Application of strong sanctions on erring IPAC leadership at the subnational level mortgaging the collective interest of political parties for pecuniary gains.

A highly interactive website and social media handles should be designed and promoted under a dedicated IT administrator.

Engage the services of consultants to develop and implement a professional proposal for effective fundraising.

Strengthen IPAC structures at the subnational level and also ensure strategic leaders are sustained at the same level.

Develop a leadership development programme that will help to enhance the leadership recruitment processes of political parties.

Ensure inclusivity through a deliberate action plan aimed at persuading political parties lagging to amend their respective constitutions to better accommodate PWDs, women and youths.

Creation of a forum for past IPAC Chairmen to serve in advisory capacity to the Council.

The retreat, according to a statement by theNational Secretary/Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee,Yusuf M. Dantalle, was attended byall past IPAC Chairmenand other stakeholders.