Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle has secured a second term as Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), tasked with steering the affairs of Nigeria’s umbrella body for registered political parties for the next two years. The election was held on Monday at the IPAC Secretariat in Abuja during the National Executive Committee (NEC) session.
Dantalle, who leads the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), returned to the helm following a unanimous vote after Mr Kenneth Udeze of the Action Alliance, his only opponent, withdrew from the race. The smooth election process has been hailed as an example of unity and consensus among political parties.
The Deputy National Chairman position was secured by Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, Deputy National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Other key appointments included Maxwell Mgbudem as National Secretary, Maryam Garba as Deputy National Secretary, and Dr Dipo Olayoku as National Treasurer.
Additionally, Chinyere Kalu was elected National Organising Secretary, Dr Umar Mohammed National Financial Secretary, Martins Egbeola National Publicity Secretary, and Obed Agu National Legal Adviser. These appointments are expected to bolster IPAC’s efforts to coordinate and strengthen political party collaboration nationwide.
Speaking after his re-election, Dantalle noted that the process demonstrated that political parties could conduct credible, transparent, and peaceful elections. He described the outcome as a validation of their shared commitment to promoting democracy in Nigeria.
He reflected on the achievements of his first term, stating that the election endorsed the continuation of programmes and reforms he initiated in December 2023. “This victory represents our collective triumph and renewed hope for a stronger, brighter, and more progressive Inter-Party Advisory Council,” he said.
Dantalle expressed gratitude to INEC officials for monitoring the election and pledged that IPAC would continue to engage citizens and stakeholders to foster a united, inclusive, and equitable democratic environment. He also commended political party leaders for their dedication to strengthening democracy.
Looking forward, he emphasised that the lessons and collaboration of the past two years would be leveraged to make the next term even more productive, especially as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections. “With your support, the last two years were impactful; the next two will be remarkable,” he concluded.
