IPAC Rejects Vote Buying, Warns Against Manipulation of Osun Guber Poll

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), representing registered political parties in Nigeria, has condemned vote buying and other forms of electoral manipulation in advance of the Osun State governorship election on August 15. The council's National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf M. Dantalle, expressed concerns over the deteriorating political atmosphere, including violence, intimidation, and the alleged use of state institutions to suppress political opponents and sway voters.

Dantalle emphasized that the election must be decided solely by the free will of the people, without intimidation or manipulation. He warned political parties and candidates not to resort to financial inducements to influence voters. IPAC urged a de-escalation of political tensions, urging leaders to demonstrate restraint and statesmanship.

The council also criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for freezing accounts belonging to the Osun State Government, calling the action politically motivated and potentially disruptive to governance. IPAC demanded the INEC maintain the highest level of professionalism, independence, transparency, and impartiality in the conduct of the election.

They urged security agencies to remain strictly neutral and professional, protecting voters, candidates, and electoral officials without discrimination. Dantalle appealed to political actors to accept legitimate electoral outcomes and to seek redress through lawful channels if genuine disputes arise.