From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State, has reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles, political tolerance, peaceful political engagement, accountable governance and the protection of the constitutional rights of all legally recognised political parties in the state.
The council made this known in Calabar on Monday during a news conference addressed by its State Chairman, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon.
Okon said a healthy democracy thrived on constructive engagement, mutual respect, responsible opposition and the freedom of political parties to express their opinions and pursue legitimate political interests without intimidation, harassment or violence.
He noted that although every political party remained free to operate independently and advance its political interests, membership of IPAC carried responsibilities and obligations.
He said the council would continue to uphold its constitution, established principles and Code of Conduct, while expecting member parties to demonstrate discipline, maturity and respect for the collective ideals of democratic governance.
“Following our appeal to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Executive Governor of Cross River State, concerning the need for a peaceful and level playing field for all political parties, IPAC is encouraged by the governor’s assurance of an open and democratic political environment in which all political parties can freely exercise their constitutional rights,” he said.
Consequently, Okon called on political parties, political actors, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful political engagement, issue-based campaigns and responsible political communication.
He warned that no political ambition should be pursued at the expense of human lives, public peace or the democratic rights of others.
The IPAC chairman also disclosed that the council was preparing to embark on a comprehensive governance assessment and engagement tour covering all 18 local government areas of Cross River State.
He said the exercise was part of the council’s constitutional and institutional responsibility as an advisory body to government.
According to him, the tour would enable IPAC to inspect government projects, assess their level of implementation, evaluate their impact on residents, identify areas requiring government attention and make constructive recommendations to strengthen service delivery and democratic accountability.
The council also called on local government chairmen, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political party chairmen, aspirants, candidates, community leaders and members of the public to participate in the planned engagement.
In another initiative aimed at promoting peaceful political participation and strengthening democratic values ahead of the 2027 general elections, IPAC announced plans for a statewide political stakeholders’ conference and a political parties’ peace walk.
The council said the peace walk was designed to demonstrate the collective commitment of political parties and their supporters to peaceful coexistence, political tolerance, unity in diversity and credible democratic participation.
The event is expected to bring together political party leaders, candidates, aspirants, party members, supporters, youth organisations, women’s groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders across the state.
According to the announcement, the peace walk will hold as follows:
Event: Political Parties’ Peace Walk for the 2027 General Elections
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Assembly Point: 11/11 Roundabout, Calabar
Theme: Unity in Diversity, Peace for a Greater Cross River.
The council outlined its message as peaceful participation, united political parties, tolerance and respect, and a stronger Cross River State.
