The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure that Saturday’s Osun State governorship election is conducted peacefully and reflects the genuine choice of voters.
The National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, made the call on Monday while addressing journalists in Abuja after the council’s General Assembly meeting.
Dantalle said the umbrella organisation of registered political parties was concerned about the growing political tension in Osun ahead of the August 15 election.
According to him, the contest should be centred on the competing ideas, policies and programmes of the candidates rather than attempts by individuals or institutions to impose their preferences on voters.
“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,” Dantalle added.
He called on INEC to maintain professionalism, independence and impartiality throughout the electoral process while ensuring that all activities comply with the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.
Dantalle said, “IPAC calls on the INEC to conduct the election with the highest degree of professionalism, independence, transparency and impartiality.
The Commission must ensure strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, its regulations, guidelines and the approved timetable and schedule of activities for the election.
INEC officials and ad-hoc personnel must remain neutral and professional throughout the electoral process.
“We urge the Commission to ensure that: all political parties and candidates are treated equally; complaints arising during the electoral process are promptly addressed within the Commission’s legal powers; and the integrity of the entire electoral process is protected from manipulation.”
He identified transparent accreditation and voting, prompt distribution of election materials and accurate collation of results as some of the responsibilities INEC must fulfil.
On election security, the IPAC chairman urged security personnel deployed to the state to remain within their constitutional responsibilities and provide equal protection for voters, candidates, party agents, electoral officials and election materials.
He cautioned against the deployment of security agencies as instruments for restricting lawful political activities or intimidating voters.
“IPAC calls on all security agencies deployed for the election to operate strictly within their constitutional and statutory mandates. Security personnel must protect voters, candidates, party agents, electoral officials and election materials without discrimination.
They must not become instruments for suppressing legitimate political activities or intimidating voters. The security of the people must remain paramount,” he said.
Dantalle also criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s decision to freeze the accounts of the Osun State Government, describing the action as “politically motivated” and warning that it could affect the administration of the state.
He maintained that financial investigations could continue without restricting the state government’s access to funds required for the payment of salaries and provision of essential public services.
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The IPAC chairman further spoke against vote buying, electoral violence and the alleged use of government institutions to intimidate political opponents.
He insisted that state institutions should remain impartial rather than being used to provide partisan advantage.
He appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully, avoid inflammatory statements and resolve disputes through legal channels.
Dantalle also urged Osun residents to participate peacefully in the election and safeguard their permanent voter cards.
He said, “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.
“Let the votes of the people count. Let the votes be counted accurately. Let the results reflect the votes. Let the will of the people prevail.
IPAC calls for a free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful election in Osun State. IPAC calls for an election without violence, intimidation or manipulation. IPAC calls on all stakeholders to protect the peace and democratic integrity of Osun State. ”
The council’s appeal comes as INEC rounds off preparations for the August 15 governorship election, which is expected to be closely contested.
A total of 14 political parties have been cleared by INEC to participate in the 2026 Osun governorship election.