IPAC cautions against using state resources to manipulate poll

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has warned against political actors and public institutions using state resources in the upcoming governorship election in Osun State. Dr Yusuf Dantalle, IPAC's National Chairman, made the warning at a press conference in Abuja following a meeting of the council's General Assembly. Dantalle emphasized that the election must be free and fair, stating that no party, candidate, or institution should gain an unfair advantage due to control of governmental structures.

He stressed that government institutions belong to the people and should not be used for partisan political gain. IPAC condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) seizure of the Osun State Government's accounts, deeming it politically motivated and potentially detrimental to the state's administration. The council urged the EFCC to investigate financial irregularities without actions that could impact essential services or citizen welfare.

Dantalle cautioned that freezing of funds could affect civil servants' salaries and other entitlements, urging the EFCC to follow the law and respect citizens' rights. He reminded security agencies to remain professional, impartial, and non-partisan, ensuring their presence provides security and confidence to voters, not fear or intimidation.

The council also called on INEC to conduct the election transparently, ensuring equal treatment for all parties and candidates. It urged political parties and supporters to reject violence, vote-buying, intimidation, and inflammatory statements, and urged Osun's citizens to vote according to their conscience, maintaining peace and allowing electoral officials to carry out their duties.