Leadership Transition: IPAC Welcomes New Chairman as Yabagi Sani Loses Re-Election Bid

• Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, of Allied People’s Movement, wins IPAC national chairman position by two votes, succeeding Engr Yabagi Sani
• The election faces controversy over alleged tenure elongation, with Dantalle accusing Sani of attempting to covertly extend his tenure

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) witnessed a change in leadership as Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, the National Chairman of Allied People’s Movement (APM), emerged victorious in the elections held at the national secretariat on Monday evening. Dantalle, formerly the national secretary of IPAC, defeated the outgoing IPAC national chairman, Engr Yabagi Sani of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), by a margin of two votes.

With 10 votes in favor, Dantalle secured the position for a two-year tenure, eligible for re-election once, as per the IPAC Constitution. The elections also saw Dipo Olayoku elected as Deputy National Chairman (unopposed), Martins Egbeola as National Organizing Secretary, Maxwell Magbuden as National Secretary, Obed Agu as National Legal Adviser, Mariam Babel as National Treasurer, and Ibrahim Suleiman as National Financial Secretary.

The electoral committee, led by Chief Dan Nwanyanwu of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), declared the results at the ZLP National Secretariat in Abuja. The date for the swearing-in ceremony will be announced later.

The transition was not without controversy, as IPAC faced internal challenges during a general assembly meeting on Tuesday. Tensions arose over the alleged tenure elongation of the outgoing national leadership, leading to a rowdy session. Amidst the chaos, Dantalle accused Engr Sani of attempting to extend his tenure covertly.

Engr Sani, however, defended the decision, stating that the general assembly meeting had passed a resolution for the outgoing leadership to continue until December 18. He emphasized the importance of concluding the centenary celebration of political parties’ formation in the country, scheduled for December 13.

Addressing the media post-election, Dantalle expressed gratitude to IPAC members for their trust and pledged to lead the council within the bounds of the law. He outlined plans for inclusive governance, promising to establish a directorate of women affairs to enhance women’s involvement in IPAC.

In his congratulatory message, Sani emphasized the democratic process, urging maturity and humility. He expressed hope that Dantalle would elevate IPAC to greater heights. The newly elected leaders are poised to steer IPAC through the next phase, focusing on unity and the advancement of democratic principles.