IPAC urges INEC, security agencies to ensure credible Osun polls

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a credible and free election for the Osun State governorship poll on Saturday. In a statement, IPAC's National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, expressed concern over the growing political tension in the state ahead of the election.

Dantalle stressed that the election should be a genuine contest of ideas and policies, and warned against any individual or institution attempting to substitute its will for that of the electorate. He called on INEC to conduct the election with professionalism, independence, transparency, and impartiality, adhering to the Constitution, Electoral Act 2026, and its regulations.

Dantalle also emphasized the need for equal treatment of all political parties and candidates, prompt resolution of complaints, accurate collation of results, and protection of the electoral process from manipulation. On security, IPAC demanded that personnel tasked with maintaining peace during the election operate strictly within their constitutional mandate and protect voters, candidates, and electoral officials without discrimination.

The IPAC chairman also denounced the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's freezing of Osun State Government accounts, calling it politically motivated and potentially undermining the administration's ability to provide essential services. He further denounced vote buying, electoral violence, and the use of state institutions to intimidate opponents, urging political parties, candidates, and their supporters to embrace peaceful competition and reject inflammatory rhetoric.

The IPAC's appeal comes as INEC finalizes preparations for the August 15, 2026, Osun governorship election, with 14 political parties cleared to contest.