IPAC challenges deployment of Amotekun, others for election

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ekiti State is preparing to challenge the state government's alleged plan to use its own security outfits during the upcoming June 20 election. IPAC Chairman Phillip Adeniji announced that the council intends to seek a court injunction to prevent personnel from Amotekun, anti-grazing units, and the traffic management agency from being deployed for election duties.

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As it stands, we have concluded plans to sue the state government and the Independent National Electoral Commission because we have information on the likelihood of an attempt to use personnel of state-owned security outfits such as Amotekun, anti-grazing units and the traffic management agency for election duty.

Adeniji expressed concerns that the involvement of these state-owned security outfits could lead to harassment and coercion of voters. "We want to obtain a court injunction to ensure that unconventional security outfits do not participate in the election so that members of the public will not be harassed or coerced during the election," he stated. IPAC lawyers have already sent a notice of intention to challenge the proposed inclusion of these agencies in the election.

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We want to obtain a court injunction to ensure that unconventional security outfits do not participate in the election so that members of the public will not be harassed or coerced during the election.

Beyond security concerns, IPAC is also actively working to combat vote-buying. The council is reaching out to members of various political parties to educate them on the detrimental effects of vote-trading on the quality of candidates elected. Adeniji believes that increased awareness will significantly reduce the practice. He urged Ekiti residents to participate in large numbers, cast their votes, and protect their ballots to ensure a transparent and acceptable outcome that reflects the will of the masses.

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On the part of IPAC, we have come together to go to court to seek that injunction, and by God’s grace, it will be granted next week.