IPAC Cross River State Calls for Stronger Security Partnership Ahead of 2027 General Elections

NaijablaseTv ( Ettah Emmanuel O.)

Newly Inaugurated State Executive Council Pays Courtesy Visits to Security Chiefs, Pledges Commitment to Peaceful, Free, and Credible Electoral Process

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State Chapter, has renewed its call for robust collaboration between political parties and security agencies in the state, with the goal of guaranteeing peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections in 2027. This appeal was made by the newly elected IPAC State Chairman, Engr. Edet Effiom, during a series of courtesy visits by the newly inaugurated State Executive Council (2026–2028) to the heads of key security institutions in the state.

The IPAC delegation paid visits to the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua; the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Chima Eke Okarazu; and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Cross River State. The visits marked a significant step toward building the institutional bridges necessary for a secure electoral environment in the state.

Addressing the security chiefs during the visits, Engr. Effiom reaffirmed IPAC's mandate as the umbrella body of all duly registered political parties in Nigeria, underscoring its pivotal role in ensuring that political activities are conducted within the framework of law, mutual respect, and peaceful engagement. He articulated the council's unwavering commitment to fostering political stability, advancing inter-party dialogue, and strengthening democratic values across Cross River State.

"As political activities intensify ahead of future elections, it is imperative that all stakeholders — especially security agencies and political actors — work together to prevent electoral violence, intimidation, and malpractice,"

 — Engr. Edet Effiom, IPAC Cross River State Chairman.

Engr. Effiom outlined the council's key strategic priorities, which include championing issue-based political campaigns, advancing voter education and civic awareness, facilitating peaceful inter-party relations, and working in close partnership with security agencies to maintain a safe and orderly electoral environment. He equally stressed the critical importance of impartiality and professionalism on the part of security personnel, urging them to provide adequate protection for political activities and ensure that all perpetrators of electoral violence are held accountable under the law.

In their respective responses, the Commissioner of Police, the NSCDC Commandant, and the DSS Director each expressed readiness to work in concert with IPAC to uphold peace and public order throughout the pre-election, election-day, and post-election periods. The security chiefs collectively reaffirmed their institutional commitment to professionalism, political neutrality, and the protection of lives and property at all stages of the electoral process.

The Department of State Services, in particular, advised IPAC to intensify its voter education and security awareness initiatives as a proactive measure to curb electoral violence and promote well-informed citizen participation in the democratic process.

Engr. Effiom expressed optimism that a sustained and structured partnership between IPAC and the relevant security agencies will position Cross River State as a benchmark for peaceful, credible, and transparent elections in Nigeria. He called on all political actors, civil society organizations, and citizens to embrace a culture of democratic responsibility and civic engagement in the lead-up to 2027.

The IPAC State Chairman was accompanied on the visits by members of the newly inaugurated State Executive Council, including:

Dr. Phoebe Iyang — State Treasurer, NRM; Deputy Chairman, IPAC Cross River State

Patriarch Ogar Osim — State Chairman, Labour Party; State Secretary, IPAC

Prince Michael Ojisi — State Publicity Secretary, PDP; State Treasurer, IPAC

Mr. Patrick Agbor — State Financial Secretary, IPAC; State Chairman, BOOT

Apostle Edet Ebiefie — State Organizing Secretary, IPAC; State Chairman, ADP

Hon. James Otudor — State Publicity Secretary, ADC; State Publicity Secretary, IPAC

Asim Affiong — State Women Leader, APGA; Deputy Secretary, IPAC

Barr. Anthony Odey — State Chairman, NNPP; State Legal Adviser, IPAC

Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State Chapter

Office of the State Chairman, Engr. Edet Effiom

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