The ongoing leadership dispute within the Yobe State branch of the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) has intensified, with State Chairman Umar Adamu Jajere and Secretary-General Mustapha Gado firmly dismissing their reported removal from office.
In a statement, the two officials, described the action as null and void, insisting that they remain the recognised leaders of the council.
The development has raised fresh questions over the leadership and internal administration of the umbrella body of registered political parties in the state, particularly as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a public notice of nullity and disclaimer signed by Jajere and Gado, the council said the purported impeachment violated several provisions of the IPAC Code of Conduct (2019) and could not be recognised.
It identified four grounds for rejecting the action, including lack of quorum at the meeting where the impeachment was announced.
According to the statement, the meeting did not have 50 per cent of the membership of either the State Executive Council or the State Assembly, as required under Sections 8(ii) and 8(iv) of the Code.
The council also alleged that individuals who were not validly nominated in writing by their respective political party state chairmen participated and voted at the meeting, contrary to Sections 4.2(a) and 15.
It further argued that the meeting was not properly convened, claiming that there was no written request signed by two-thirds of members and that the chairman was not given the mandatory seven-day notice stipulated in Section 8(vii).
On the disciplinary process, the officials said no complaint was submitted to the Disciplinary Committee or the Political Parties Alternative Dispute Resolution (PPADR) Committee, and no investigation was conducted before the purported impeachment.
The council warned that anyone parading himself as an IPAC official in Yobe State on the basis of the purported impeachment was doing so without lawful authority.
It also threatened disciplinary action, including suspension, against members who participated in the exercise, accusing them of violating the council’s Code of Conduct.
IPAC urged the Yobe State Government, the State Independent Electoral Commission (YOSIEC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other political stakeholders to recognise only Jajere and Gado as the legitimate state leadership.
It added that the National Secretariat of the council had been notified of the development in line with Section 4.3 of the Code.
The group that announced the purported impeachment is yet to react to the statement.
What You Should Know
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) serves as the umbrella organization for all registered political parties, helping to coordinate inter-party relations and dialogue with electoral bodies. In Yobe State, a fierce disagreement has broken out after some members attempted to remove the current state leaders, claiming a change in leadership. However, the affected chairman and secretary have countered, stating that the removal process violated multiple internal rules, including a lack of proper notice, missing quorum, and an absence of formal disciplinary proceedings.
- Potential Concerns: Internal party squabbles and leadership tussles can create friction among political groups in the state, potentially distracting them from effective opposition and preparation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- What It Means for the Public: For everyday citizens and political stakeholders, this dispute highlights ongoing administrative challenges within political umbrella groups, which could impact how smoothly electoral preparations and stakeholder engagements proceed in the state.
