IPAC Faces Fresh Turmoil as Former Chairman Heads to Court Over Election Dispute

• Former IPAC National Chairman Yabagi Yusuf Sani rejects election outcome, citing irregularities, sparking tension and legal action within IPAC
• Newly elected IPAC leader Yusuf Mamman Dantalle criticizes Sani for being a poor loser, highlighting internal discord and legal challenges

Tensions have escalated within the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) as the former National Chairman, Yabagi Yusuf Sani, takes the new leadership to court over the outcome of the December 18 election, in which he lost his bid for a second term to Yusuf Mamman Dantalle.

Initially, after the election results were declared, Dantalle secured 10 votes compared to Sani’s eight, with one vote voided. Sani graciously accepted defeat, publicly congratulating Dantalle, and the two were seen embracing each other.

However, a recent twist has emerged as Alex Maiyanga, National Organising Secretary of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), speaking on behalf of Sani, revealed that they rejected the election outcome, claiming numerous irregularities marred it.

Maiyanga stated, “At first glance, it seemed like a fair and valid outcome, and Sani graciously congratulated Dantalle on his victory.”

In response to Sani’s rejection, Dantalle, through the newly elected National Publicity Secretary, Chinyere Ogekalu, criticized Sani for exhibiting anti-democratic tendencies and being a poor loser. She pointed out that Sani’s attempt to extend his tenure had faced resistance from progressive party leaders on December 12.

Expressing disdain for Sani’s actions, Ogekalu highlighted the unusual signing of an official press statement by Dr. Alex Maiyanga, who is not the spokesperson and holds a different job description according to his portfolio.

Furthermore, she revealed that Sani had filed a court order on December 28, 2023, seeking to halt the inauguration of the newly elected IPAC National Executives. The court directed the current IPAC Executives to continue running the Council’s affairs until the suit’s determination.

The internal discord within IPAC underscores the challenges faced by political party alliances and their leadership transitions, with legal battles intensifying the uncertainty surrounding the organization’s future.