The Inter-Party Advisory Council has expressed worries over the rising tension in Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, even as it urged INEC and security agencies to ensure that the exercise is free, fair and credible.
IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, who addressed journalists in Abuja on Monday after the council’s General Assembly meeting, urged political actors to reduce inflammatory rhetoric and allow the election to focus on policies, programmes and ideas.
He said, “We urge all political actors to lower the temperature of political rhetoric and refrain from statements, threats, actions or counter-actions capable of aggravating tension or threatening the peace and stability of the state.”
He called on INEC to conduct the election with professionalism, independence, transparency and impartiality, while ensuring compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and the commission’s guidelines.
Dantalle also urged the electoral commission to ensure equal treatment of all candidates and parties, prompt resolution of complaints and protection of the integrity of the electoral process.
He listed transparent accreditation and voting, timely distribution of electoral materials and accurate collation of results among the key responsibilities of INEC.
On security, the IPAC chairman said personnel deployed for the election must operate within their constitutional and statutory mandates and protect voters, candidates, party agents, electoral officials and election materials without discrimination.
He warned against using security agencies to suppress legitimate political activities or intimidate voters.
Dantalle also criticised the freezing of Osun State Government accounts by the EFCC, describing the action as “politically motivated” and capable of undermining the administration of the state.
He said financial investigations should not deny residents access to funds meant for salaries and essential public services.
The IPAC chairman further condemned vote buying, electoral violence and the alleged use of state institutions to intimidate political opponents.
He appealed to candidates, political parties and their supporters to embrace peaceful competition and pursue grievances through lawful channels.
“Let us remember that democracy is not simply about who wins an election; it is about ensuring that the process through which the winner emerges is credible, transparent, legitimate and reflective of the will of the people,” he said.
(Ripples)