IPAC urges INEC, security agencies to ensure credible Osun polls

Nigeria's Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to guarantee a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Osun State. The appeal comes ahead of the Saturday poll, with IPAC expressing worry over escalating political tensions within the state.

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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.

During a General Assembly meeting in Abuja, IPAC National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle emphasized that the election must be a genuine contest of ideas, policies, and programs. He warned against any attempts to impose the will of individuals or institutions over that of the electorate. "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 stated.

Dantalle urged INEC to conduct the election with the highest degree of professionalism, independence, and impartiality. He stressed the need for strict adherence to the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026. "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," he said. IPAC also called for equal treatment of all parties and candidates, prompt resolution of complaints, and protection of the electoral process from manipulation.

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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.

Regarding security, IPAC demanded that deployed personnel operate strictly within their constitutional mandates, protecting voters, candidates, and officials without discrimination. "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," Dantalle warned. He reiterated that the security of the people must remain paramount.

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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.