By Kelvin Obambon
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Cross River State has announced plans to tour all 18 local government areas for a governance assessment and to hold a statewide Political Parties Peace Walk on December 5 as part of efforts to promote peaceful politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing a press conference in Calabar on Monday, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, State Chairman of IPAC, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to democratic principles, political tolerance, peaceful engagement and the protection of the rights of all legally recognised political parties in the state.
“IPAC believes that a healthy democracy thrives on constructive engagement, mutual respect, responsible opposition and the freedom of political parties to express their opinions and pursue their legitimate political interests without intimidation, harassment or violence,” he said.
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IPAC said it was encouraged by the assurance from Governor Bassey Edet Otu of an open and democratic political environment following its appeal for a level playing field. 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.
Engr. Effiom called on all political parties, actors, candidates and supporters to embrace peaceful engagement, issue-based campaigns and responsible communication. “No political ambition should be pursued at the expense of human lives, public peace or the democratic rights of others.”
As part of its advisory role, he said the council will embark on a comprehensive statewide tour of the 18 local government areas to inspect government projects, assess their implementation and impact, identify areas needing attention and make recommendations to improve service delivery and accountability.
The chairman, on behalf of the council, invited chairmen, security agencies, INEC, political party leaders, aspirants, candidates, community leaders and the public to participate in the engagement.
IPAC also announced a Statewide Political Parties Peace Walk scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. The assembly point is the 11/11 Roundabout in Calabar. The theme is “Unity in Diversity, Peace for a Greater Cross River.”
According to Engr. Effiom, the walk is intended to demonstrate the collective commitment of political parties and their supporters to peaceful coexistence, tolerance and credible democratic participation. It will bring together party leaders, candidates, aspirants, supporters, youth and women groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
IPAC extended a special invitation to all governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly and other candidates across recognised parties to join with their supporters. It stressed that the event is not a campaign rally for any individual or party but a collective show of commitment to peace and the preservation of democratic space.
“We want candidates who may be political opponents to walk side by side, demonstrating that political competition does not make us enemies and that our differences in political ideology should never threaten our common humanity,” the council said.
Party chairmen were urged to mobilise their structures across the 18 local government areas for massive participation. “Let the world see that Cross River State is ready for peaceful, credible and issue-based political competition in 2027,” IPAC stated.
The council emphasized that the future of the state should be shaped by strong democratic institutions and informed electoral choices rather than hostility, intimidation or violence. It urged parties to prioritise dialogue, persuasion and constructive criticism.
“Cross River State belongs to all of us. Our political differences should never become a reason to destroy the peace, unity and development of our dear state,” the chairman concluded.
