Ebonyi IPAC Elects New Executive, Assures Peaceful Political Environment

• Historic Leadership: Mrs Queendarlyn Nwigwe, who also serves as the APC Women Leader in Ebonyi State, has been elected as the new State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

• Inclusive Executive: The newly inaugurated executive body comprises leaders from various political parties, including the APP, AA, APM, NRM, ZLP, YPP, and Accord Party.

• Commitment to Peace and Transparency: In her acceptance speech, Nwigwe pledged to overcome initial electoral glitches, promote transparent governance, and foster a peaceful environment for all political parties ahead of upcoming polls.

• Government Commendation: National IPAC leadership praised the Ebonyi State Government for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Inter-Party Affairs, calling it a unique benchmark for inclusive democracy in Nigeria.

July 28, () — The Ebonyi State Chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has elected a new executive committee, headed by Mrs Queendarlyn Nwigwe as State Chairman.

Mrs Nwigwe emerged victorious following an election held at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) State Office in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The electoral process was observed by key stakeholders, including the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Inter-Party Affairs, Hon. Philip Okorie; the Director-General of IPAC and National Chairman of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Prince Chinedu Obi; along with political party leaders and electoral officials.

Representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the council, where she also serves as the state’s APC Women Leader, Mrs Nwigwe takes over as the head of the advisory body.

The newly inaugurated executive council includes Bishop Constant Edward of the Action Peoples Party (APP) as Deputy Chairman; Chief Peter Ozuma of the Action Alliance (AA) as Secretary; Evangelist Kate Ohakam of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) as Deputy Secretary; Stanley Ogodo of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) as Organising Secretary; Juliet Nwinya of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) as Publicity Secretary; Mercy Nwogbala of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) as Treasurer; and Paschal Ali of the Accord Party as Financial Secretary.

In her acceptance speech, Nwigwe acknowledged that while the electoral process faced initial administrative hitches, she remained confident in the executive council’s ability to unify the body.

“It is true we experienced initial glitches, but meaningful progress often begins this way. God has already shown us the path forward, and by His grace, everything will fall into place”, she said.

She assured council members that her administration would prioritise transparency, inclusivity, and the advancement of democratic values.

“IPAC stands for transparency and a firm commitment to deepening democracy. I will carry my colleagues along and maintain open governance. Though I am not perfect, as a politician and electoral stakeholder, I will give my absolute best to serve”, she affirmed.

Addressing journalists shortly after her inauguration, Nwigwe highlighted that her team’s immediate priority would be enhancing inter-party communication and sustaining a peaceful environment across Ebonyi State.

“All political parties operate under one unified umbrella dedicated to strengthening democratic governance. We intend to improve dialogue among parties, support properly conducted elections, and maintain a harmonious landscape where every party can thrive—ensuring Ebonyi remains peaceful during campaigns, polls, and beyond”, she stated.

Reassuring critics regarding her dual role as APC Women Leader, Nwigwe stated that holding both offices would not compromise her objectivity or effectiveness as IPAC Chairman.

“Women are naturally adept at multitasking. Through careful planning and efficient time management, both roles will receive the dedication they require”, she noted.

She further emphasised that democratic contests should strictly reflect the will of the voters at the ballot box.

“Political parties are free to field their candidates. We should all present our platforms to the public, and whichever party works hard and earns the people’s mandate should be allowed to govern”, she added.

Speaking earlier, the Director-General of IPAC and NRM National Chairman, Prince Chinedu Obi, commended the Ebonyi State Government for creating a dedicated Ministry of Inter-Party Affairs, describing it as an exemplary model for inclusive governance.

“Seeing Ebonyi State establish a full-fledged ministry to manage inter-party relations highlights the growing importance of IPAC. Ebonyi stands out as perhaps the only state with such an institute, and we applaud the state government for this visionary step”, Obi remarked.

He charged the new chairman to foster unity among all political entities and preserve the state’s peaceful political atmosphere.

“We are placing the leadership of all political parties in the state into your hands, expecting you to lead without bias. We also urge the state government to keep encouraging inclusive political participation, particularly as preparations gather momentum for upcoming local government elections”, he said.

In his remarks, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Inter-Party Affairs, Hon. Philip Okorie, congratulated the incoming executive and pledged the state government’s unalloyed backing.

“The leadership of IPAC demonstrated commendable maturity throughout this election. On behalf of the Ebonyi State Government, I congratulate the new executive council and assure you of an even stronger, more collaborative relationship.

“We will operate as one family. The era of political discord is behind us, and I will do everything within my power to support this executive in upholding democratic principles and enduring peace among parties in Ebonyi State”, Okorie said.

Also speaking, the immediate past Chairman of IPAC in Ebonyi State and state Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr (Mrs) Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, congratulated Nwigwe and urged her to lead with strict neutrality.

“We expect peaceful coexistence across all political divides. The new chairman must lead inclusively and avoid favouritism. Every registered political party deserves equal treatment, as IPAC belongs to everyone”, she noted.

Adibe-Nwafor, who made history as the first female IPAC Chairman in Ebonyi State, celebrated Nwigwe as the second woman to hold the post and urged all political parties to rally behind her administration.

“I congratulate her on becoming the second woman to lead IPAC in Ebonyi State. This marks another important milestone for female leadership, and I call on every political party to offer her the full support needed to succeed”, she concluded.