The Inter-Party Advisory Council in Cross River State has called on all political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful engagement and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a press statement signed by its State Chairman, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, and issued on Sunday, IPAC urged political actors to adopt responsible communication and reject any form of hostility.
“IPAC calls on all political parties, political actors, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful political engagement, issue-based campaigns and responsible political communication,” the statement said.
The council warned that no political ambition should be pursued at the expense of human lives, public peace or the democratic rights of others.
IPAC reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles, political tolerance, peaceful engagement and the protection of the constitutional rights of all legally recognised parties in the state.
It stated that a healthy democracy thrives on constructive engagement, mutual respect, responsible opposition and the freedom of parties to express their views without intimidation, harassment or violence.
The council noted that while every party remained free to operate independently, membership of IPAC carried responsibilities. It said it would continue to uphold its constitution, principles and Code of Conduct, and expected member parties to show discipline, maturity and respect for democratic ideals.
IPAC linked the call to the assurance earlier given by Governor Bassey Otu of an open and democratic political environment. It also acknowledged the governor’s directive for the arrest of those responsible for attacks on political actors, describing the move as an important step towards protecting political participation.
The council stressed that the future of Cross River State must not be determined by political hostility, intimidation, misinformation or violence, but by strong democratic institutions, quality leadership and the freedom of citizens to make informed choices.
It urged parties to choose dialogue over confrontation, persuasion over intimidation and constructive criticism over political hostility.
