As part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and transparent governorship election in Anambra State, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, held a stakeholders’ engagement and voter sensitization press conference in Awka.
The forum sought to mobilize political actors, voters, and institutions toward a credible, inclusive, and violence-free poll scheduled for November 8.
In a keynote address on behalf of IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf M. Dantalle, the National Publicity Secretary and National Woman Leader of the Zenith Labour Party, Mrs. Oge Chinyere Kalu, said the event was part of IPAC’s nationwide initiative to strengthen democratic values, deepen voter education, and enhance civic participation.
Mrs. Kalu reaffirmed IPAC’s role recognized by INEC as the umbrella body and official voice of all registered political parties as a platform for inter-party dialogue, peaceful engagement, issue-based campaigns, and credible elections at all levels. She urged stakeholders to place integrity, unity, and service above personal or partisan gain.
Addressing the electorate, Kalu called on Anambra voters to turn out en masse, vote according to conscience, and reject vote buying, intimidation, and violence. To candidates and political parties, she emphasized that leadership must be earned through the ballot, not through manipulation or coercion, urging them to maintain civility, tolerance, and respect for the people’s will.
Commending INEC’s preparations, she urged the Commission to adhere strictly to the Electoral Act 2022 and its own guidelines, stressing the need for neutrality and professionalism. Security agencies, she said, must also act with fairness and restraint to protect voters and sustain public confidence in the process.
“Election is not war; it is a democratic contest of ideas and vision,” Kalu stated, calling on all participants to shun hate speech, incitement, and divisive rhetoric. She emphasized that credible elections require the collective responsibility of voters, political parties, INEC, security agencies, media, and civil society.
Speaking later, Dr. Prince Chinedu Obi, National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party and IPAC Director-General, described the engagement as part of IPAC’s tradition of sensitizing stakeholders during election periods. He cautioned against unethical practices such as trading voter cards, urging political leaders and media organizations to amplify messages of peace and accountability.
In his vote of thanks, Anambra IPAC Chairman and ZLP governorship candidate, Comrade Uchenna Ugwuorji, appreciated the national leadership for its support and urged all parties to uphold democracy and fairness.
The event ended with a renewed collective commitment to ensure that the will of the Anambra people prevails through a free, transparent, and credible election.
Dignitaries present included Chief Matthias Ameke (IPAC State Publicity Secretary), Hon. Christy Ndidi Olieh (NRM governorship candidate), Chioma Grace Ifemeludike (AAC governorship candidate), and other party leaders.
