The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos State, on Monday re-elected Mrs Temilola Akinade of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) as its Chairman.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that new leaders emerged through consensus and affirmation at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos.
Speaking at the congress, Mrs Chinyere Kalu, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee and National Organising Secretary of IPAC, announced that 18 political parties were accredited for the election.
Announcing the new IPAC executives, Kalu said that Dr Adeola Jokomba of the All Progressive Congress (APC) emerged as Deputy Chairman, Mrs Adeyemi Abiola of the Action Peoples Party (APP) as Secretary and Mr Oladele Oladeji of Accord as Deputy Secretary.
She added that Mrs Bunmi Adeyemo of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) emerged as Treasurer, Mr Adenipebi Mode-Adekunle of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)emerged as the Organising Secretary while Mr Oluwaseyi Akinleye of Boot Party was elected Financial Secretary.
Kalu said that Mr James Adeshina of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) emerged as the Publicity Secretary, while Mrs Rosemary Giwa-Amu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was elected as the Legal Adviser.
Describing the process as peaceful, Kalu said: “For the first time, we watched party leaders exhibit what they preach: brotherhood.
“There is an alignment and people agreed to step down for one another and a new exco emerged. This has made our job here very easy.”
Applauding the inclusion of four women in the 9-member exco, the chairman urged the party leaders to work hard to deepen democracy in the state.
“IPAC is not an opposition platform. IPAC is an advisory body. IPAC helps to deepen democracy. I advise that we all go back to the drawing board, build our parties and deepen democracy.
“We must make sure we do the right thing and give a level playground for everybody to participate.
“It is the duty of every political party to preach its party manifesto and go for membership drive,” Kalu said.
While urging the new exco to remain peaceful, the chairman said that each party should provide a platform for people of good character to come onboard and contest in 2027 general elections.
Admonishing the party leaders, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami said that the body is concerned about how political parties are faring in the state.
Salami, who was represented by Mr Babalola Badejo, the INEC Head of Department, Election and Party Monitoring, urged party leaders to run with the new electoral law and timetable for the 2027 general elections.
“Don’t be left behind, the timeline is very short. You must move with time and avoid contraventions, be familiar with the guidelines and Electoral Act. We have set the stage, you must learn the rules of the games,” Salami said.
In her acceptance speech, Akinade appreciated her colleagues for another opportunity to serve the people and the state.
“I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude, humility, and renewed commitment as I accept my re-election as Chairman of IPAC,
“I deeply appreciate the confidence you have reposed in me once again to serve in this noble capacity,
“This victory is not mine alone—it belongs to every member of IPAC, every political party represented here, and every individual who believes in unity, fairness, and the progress of our democratic system,
“As we move forward, I reaffirm my dedication to strengthening collaboration among political parties, promoting peaceful coexistence, and upholding the principles of transparency, equity, and justice,
“Our diversity remains our strength, and together, we will continue to build a platform that prioritizes dialogue over division and progress over conflict,” Akinade said.
According to her, the task ahead is great, but she is confident that with collective effort, IPAC will achieve even greater milestones.
“I pledge to lead with integrity, fairness, and inclusiveness, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected.
“Let us continue to work hand in hand to deepen democracy, foster unity, and deliver meaningful impact to the people we represent,” she said.
Also speaking, Jokomba, State APC Secretary and newly elected IPAC Deputy Chairman, said that the body should avoid acts capable of undermining democracy in the state,urging them to remain united and be focused.
Also, Adeshina, the PRP Chairman and newly elected IPAC Publicity Secretary, said that the body would not fail in its duties.
“There is the need for us to deepen democracy which is what IPAC stands for. So, we are looking forward to a better politicking in Lagos,” Adeshina said.
He said that the consensus arrangement for the election was done in the interest of peace, unity, and progress of all political parties.
NAN reports that other political parties in attendance include dAll Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), African Action Congress (AAC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP).
Others are Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action Alliance (AA), Action Democratic Party (ADP) and Labour Party.
