The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Plateau State, has called on political parties, politicians, the media and other stakeholders to remain calm and respect the rule of law following the suspension of the state’s Local Government elections.
The elections, earlier scheduled to hold on September 9, 2026, could not proceed after the Plateau State High Court issued a judgment suspending the operation of certain provisions of the relevant Local Government and Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) laws.
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Aminu Hadi, IPAC said it had been carried along, alongside the media and Civil Society Organisations, throughout the electoral process.
According to the council, the necessary notice of election was issued and the timetable and schedule of activities were subsequently reviewed in line with relevant electoral provisions before the process was halted by the court judgment.
IPAC stressed that all stakeholders are bound to respect the subsisting order of the court, noting that no individual or institution should be expected to act contrary to a valid order of a competent court.
The council disclosed that appeals against the judgment had been filed by some political parties and relevant authorities, including the Plateau State Ministry of Justice.
It therefore appealed to the Court of Appeal to expedite the hearing and determination of the appeals, stressing that the issue was of significant importance to the democratic process in the state.
IPAC also cautioned members of the public against speculation, misinformation and politically motivated interpretations of the situation.
It warned that any attempt to proceed with the elections before the legal issues are conclusively resolved could create serious legal complications and lead to an unnecessary waste of public resources.
The council further urged political party leaders, politicians, media organisations and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid statements or actions capable of overheating the political atmosphere.
“At this critical period of political activities across the country, the peace, stability and democratic progress of Plateau State must remain a collective responsibility,” the council said.
IPAC called on all stakeholders to remain calm, respect the rule of law and allow the judicial process to take its lawful course.
