The Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has noted that it was only by the Grace of God that Nigerians survived the passing year.

For this reason, the Council called on the government to pay more attention to the fight against insecurity and corruption, reinvigorating the economy, ensuring food security and providing social amenities in the coming year.

While noting that the challenges ahead were enormous, IPAC also called on citizens to hold government at various levels accountable.

The Council called on citizens to unite to deepen the country’s democracy and build a better nation the present and future generations can be proud of, adding that the opportunities and dividends of democracy are enormous.

IPAC challenged citizens to remain prayerful and patriotic, adding that it “was only by the grace of God that Nigerians survived the socio-economic hardship of 2024.”

In a statement by Yusuf Dantalle, its national Chairman, IPAC said the economic challenges were unprecedented in the history of Nigeria.

“We are grateful to God for His mercies, protection and care which have reinforced our hope and faith in consolidating our democracy and building a strong, united, stable, progressive, equitable, prosperous and just society in 2025,” the statement added.

“Nigerians are indeed resilient, resourceful and enterprising people who have made enormous sacrifices since Independence in 1960 in the onerous task of building a better nation.

“Their abiding faith in the fatherland and prospect for a brighter future should not be taken for granted by elected public officers bearing in mind that sovereignty resides in the people.

“As we approach the threshold of 2025, a fresh start is offered to us to objectively appraise our successes and failures in 2024 and firmly resolve to rededicate ourselves in making Nigeria great again.

“The challenges ahead are enormous and so are the opportunities if we keep watering and nurturing the democracy tree to maturity to yield its fruits to citizens.

“Since nation-building is a collective responsibility, IPAC urges Nigerians to be prayerful, proactive on issues affecting them and hold leaders accountable as the price for freedom and prosperity is eternal vigilance.

“As the umbrella body of all the registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC will continue to lead from the front to ensure good governance and well-being of the people.

“Council will vigorously pursue its Peer Review Mechanism set up to evaluate the milestones achieved by governors in the implementation of the sustainable development goals in the states, the legislators on effective, vibrant and robust representations, oversight functions and law-making, as well as monitor the progress of the recent financial autonomy granted to the 774 Local Governments in the country as the government closest to the people.”

IPAC said it had begun the move to eliminate the fielding of candidates with questionable credentials for elections.

“This ensures that every document, credential, and piece of information associated with candidates is rigorously examined for authenticity and accuracy to prevent undue disqualification of candidates who won elections with fraudulent credentials by the court.

“All hands must be on deck as we jointly rebuild trust in our democratic process by fighting corruption, ensuring political stability, credible elections, an independent judiciary, vibrant economy, food security, gainful employment, a living wage, social cohesion, religious harmony, quality education, healthcare, efficient power supply, adequate security and social amenities,” it added.

2025: Nigeria survived 2024 only by God’s grace – IPAC