The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN).
The MoU is on the deployment of forensic technology to verify certificates and other documents submitted by aspirants contesting elective offices.
The IPAC Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, signing the document at the council national Secretariat on Wednesday in Abuja, described the MoU as part of efforts to deepen the nation’s democracy.
Dantalle said that the decision to sign the MoU was approved by IPAC general assembly.
He said that the council would continue to work within the confines of the law to enhance Nigeria’s democracy.
“With the steps we are taking, gradually we will get what we desire as Nigerians.
“After this, we will go ahead to see how we can partner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on certificate verification and some of the sensitive materials that INEC uses in conducting elections.
“We will continue to amplify this message until we get it done,” Dantalle said.
On his part, Dr Iliyasu Gashinbaki, the President of CIFCFIN, described the MoU as a collective effort to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy
Gashinbaki said that the partnership between the Institute and IPAC was in pursuant to the provisions of the Electoral Act, which mandates candidates to submit an affidavit affirming their eligibility.
He said that the Electoral Act outlined the disqualification of candidates with regards to falsification of documents, which has led to multiple of electoral cases since 1999.
According to him, the MoU intends to cover the total of 11,079 political elected offices in Nigeria, from ward councilors to the president.
He added that through the established protocols, political parties would subject the credentials of all their aspirants to forensic authentication before primary elections, thereby preventing any form of electoral fraud.
Gashinbaki said that on the institute’s part, a detailed forensic report would be generated and provided to political parties.
“The report will allow them to make informed decisions, ensuring that only candidates with verified and credible credentials proceed in the electoral process.
“It will further enhance the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s elections. This partnership will extend technical assistance to INEC, focusing on improving the entire electoral value chain,” he said.
Gashinbaki said that the MoU would have impact on the country’s democracy, as it will significantly elevate the standards of Nigeria’s electoral processes, and foster greater public trust and confidence.
“This will deter fraudulent activities and ensure that only genuinely qualified candidates contest in elections,” he said.(NAN
