By Our Reporter
The Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantelle, has advised Professor Pat Utomi to protect the democratic achievements secured 26 years ago and to refrain from exacerbating political tensions regarding the notion of shadow government, which he considers incompatible with Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Acknowledging Utomi’s contributions to democratic development since the first republic, Dantelle cautioned that the introduction of a shadow government could diminish these vital efforts. In a Channel Television interview on the “One on One: Political Paradigm” programme, he warned of the risks associated with establishing any authority outside of the democratically elected government, asserting that governance should be rooted in the collective endorsement of the populace.
While praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining democratic integrity despite various challenges, Dantelle reiterated that Nigerians favour a governance system that encourages collective participation rather than individual ideologies. He urged citizens to oppose any form of governance that does not align with the people’s will, emphasising that Nigeria remains a democracy with 19 functioning political parties.
Dantelle expressed concern that any regression in governance could compromise the significant progress achieved over the past two decades. He called upon President Tinubu to continue championing the principles of democracy through sincere leadership, regardless of distractions, and affirmed that IPAC will persist in facilitating the collaboration of the 19 political parties to ensure effective governance at both state and national levels.
