The Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) has urged the Yobe Independent Electoral Commission to shift the state local government councils election, slated for November, to a later date because of the farming season.

Bala Mohammed, the state IPAC chairman, said this at a news briefing on Tuesday in Damaturu.

Mr Mohammed said postponing the poll would allow the electorate to participate actively as some voters were engaged in farming activities.

“As you are aware, the rainy season came in very late; it is now that the rain has intensified with our people heavily engaged in farming activities.

“It is now the peak of the farming season in the state, which is not comfortable for any political activity,” he said.

Mr Mohammed added, “It is in view of this that we call on the state independent electoral commission to postpone and fix a new date, preferably after the harvests.

“To allow the people to actively participate and avoid disenfranchising them of their rights.”

Mr Mohammed added that a true democracy was all about getting the people involved to participate.

He appealed to the commission to postpone the poll in the interest of justice and fair play. 

(NAN)