By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
The leadership of the Cross River States chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has called for democratic consolidation as the nation marks the 2026 Democracy Day.
The group, which advocates for political inclusion also called for peaceful and responsible political conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Cross River States IPAC chairman, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, made the call while answering questions from our correspondent yesterday in Calabar.
A statement from IPAC dated June 12, 2026 and signed by Engr. Okon, the state Publicity Secretary, Mr. James Otudor and the state Treasurer, Mr. Mike Ojisi, claimed that the state is enjoying “relative peace and political stability” as a result of peaceful co-existence that exist among the various political parties operating in the state.
The statement l, made available to our correspondent in Calabar after a stakeholders meeting, called for institutional strengthening to build public trust.
IPAC statement stressed, “With another electoral cycle approaching, the focus must shift to strengthening institutions and public trust.
“As the state gradually moves closer to another electoral year, it becomes increasingly important that we consolidate on existing gains by deepening trust, strengthen our democratic institutions and maintain a peaceful political atmosphere.
“The strength of our democracy lies not only in stability, but in the visible assurance of fairness, openness and equal political opportunity for all.”
Identifying key areas for attention, the Cross River IPAC leadership said that it was ideal to maintain a “balanced political space” with mutual understanding and institutional neutrality to breed public trust.
“The governor of Cross River State and the good people of Cross River State in commemorating this year’s Democracy Day, which signifies the symbol of our collective commitment to governance, political inclusion and the rule of law are definitely happy about this relative peace that exist in the state.”
They called for political collaboration that will be guided by “shared vision and voluntary consensus to strengthen the integrity of the multi-party system.”
The statement further called for caution in political activities to safeguard governance delivery of the goodies associated with good governance to avoid tension.
The council recommended a “cautious and law-abiding approach to emerging political activities,” calling for “sustained focus on delivering democratic benefits to the citizens, which remains the strongest foundation for political goodwill.”
The statement reaffirmed its commitment to “promoting harmony among political parties and fostering constructive engagement with the government.”
Recommendations made by IPAC in the statement include, regular interfacing among members for early conflict resolution, encouragement of responsible conduct with restraint and due process, support for broad-based participation of youth, women and emerging leaders and keeping governance transparent to sustain public confidence.
It added, “Democracy flourishes well in an atmosphere where there is inclusion with those in places of authority giving a listening ear to those that they governed.”
IPAC reassured that it would remain a committed partner in “advancing peace, stability and democratic consolidation.”
It stressed, “As we celebrate Democracy Day, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to build a system that works for all, fairly, transparently and sustainably. Happy Democracy Day.”
