IPAC Seeks ₦500m for Permanent Secretariat, Urges Stronger Inter-Party Cooperation in Nasarawa
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Nasarawa State chapter, has launched a ₦500 million fundraising campaign for the construction of a permanent secretariat in Lafia, with a call for stronger cooperation among political parties to deepen democracy in the state.
The IPAC State Chairman, Hon. Danlami Muhammed Musa, made the call on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the grand unveiling and ₦500 million fundraising ceremony for the proposed secretariat held at the City Hall, Lafia.
Musa said the initiative was aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, promoting political tolerance and providing a neutral platform for political parties and other stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue.
According to him, the proposed secretariat would serve as a resource centre for political education and civic engagement, a conference hub for dialogue among political parties and stakeholders, as well as a symbol of unity and peaceful political participation.
He said all registered political parties in the state had come together in support of the project, describing the initiative as a significant milestone in the democratic development of Nasarawa State.
“Politics is not war, but service,” Musa said, stressing that the secretariat would provide an avenue for political actors to debate ideas, resolve conflicts and promote good governance.
The IPAC chairman noted that the council had over the years contributed to mediating political disagreements, advising stakeholders and partnering with government to deepen democratic culture in the state, but had operated without a permanent office.
Musa also called on political parties to accept electoral outcomes in the spirit of the rules of the game, stressing that cooperation among political parties remained critical to the survival and development of democracy.
“These are no mean duties and without the cooperation of political parties they cannot be achieved and the victim will be our democracy,” he said.
He described political parties as the pillars upon which liberal democracy is built and urged them to respect democratic principles and support practices that would strengthen democratic institutions.
Prof. Genyi Advocates Stronger Political Institutions
Also speaking at the event, Professor George A. Genyi of the Department of Political Science, Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA), presented a paper titled “Strengthening Democracy: Building a Befitting Secretariat for Political Parties in Nasarawa State.”
Prof. Genyi emphasised the importance of strong political institutions and effective inter-party engagement in consolidating democratic governance.
He noted that political parties play a central role in democratic development and stressed the need for an environment that promotes constructive political engagement, tolerance and respect for democratic rules.
The political science scholar said a befitting IPAC secretariat would provide an institutional platform for coordinating the activities of political parties and promoting dialogue among political stakeholders.
He urged political actors to place the interest of democracy and the people above partisan considerations, noting that peaceful political competition and mutual respect were essential for sustainable democratic development.
APM Chairman Donates ₦500,000
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Dr. Mohammed Suleiman Awwal PhD, donated ₦500,000 towards the construction of the IPAC State Secretariat.
Dr. Awwal made the donation during the unveiling of the ₦500 million project, saying the contribution was made on behalf of himself, his family and, above all, the people of Toto Local Government Area.
He expressed optimism that the project would bring all political parties in Nasarawa State together as one family, irrespective of political differences.
The APM chairman commended the IPAC State Chairman, Hon. Danlami Muhammed Musa, for initiating what he described as a gigantic and laudable project for the benefit of political parties and the people of the state.
Dr. Awwal urged political parties, government officials, organisations and well-meaning individuals to support the project to ensure its successful completion.
He said a befitting IPAC secretariat would provide a platform for dialogue, cooperation and peaceful political engagement, thereby contributing to the consolidation of democracy in Nasarawa State.
Stakeholders Rally Support
Musa commended Governor Abdullahi A. Sule for his support for democratic institutions and appreciated traditional rulers, political party leaders, philanthropists, captains of industry and other stakeholders for attending the ceremony.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the fundraising and planning committees, particularly Hon. Adeno Sabo Adeno, as well as security agencies, members of the media and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the event.
He urged individuals, organisations and other stakeholders to contribute generously towards the project, describing the proposed secretariat as an investment in the democratic future of Nasarawa State.
“Let's record that in 2026, we laid the foundation for a stronger democratic future in Nasarawa State,” he said.
