Chaos has derailed the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC elections in Zamfara State, North-West Nigeria.
The exercise was suspended indefinitely after the IPAC National Election Committee delisted several political parties just moments before the vote.
Affected members are now crying foul, accusing the national body of bias and a total lack of transparency.
The atmosphere was initially calm as members of the Zamfara State IPAC chapter gathered for what was supposed to be a routine leadership transition
But the mood changed subsequently with protests broke out after news spread that heavyweights, including the ADC, PDP, Labour Party, and YPP, had been struck from the list.
Enraged party members staged a walkout, claiming the process was being manipulated.
In a bid to salvage the day, the national committee attempted to resume screening. Some members returned to the hall, but the peace was short-lived. Tensions flared again as delegates demanded the committee stick to the rulebook.
Recognising the situation had become untenable, the National Committee Chairman, Umar Mohammed, officially called off the election exercise.
The delay is a major blow to the council. Contestants point out that the election is already five months overdue, leaving the future of the state’s inter-party relations in limbo.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
