The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has warned security agencies against intimidating voters or suppressing lawful political activities in the 15 August Osun governorship election.
The council issued the warning in Abuja on Monday after its General Assembly meeting, as 14 political parties prepared to contest the poll. IPAC said security personnel must protect voters, candidates, party agents, electoral workers and election materials without discrimination.
The National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, said security agencies must work within their constitutional and statutory duties during the election. He said they must not become tools for intimidating voters or stopping lawful political activities.
“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,” he said.
IPAC sets demands for INEC
Dantalle also said the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, must conduct the election with professionalism, independence, transparency and impartiality.
He said the commission must comply with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, its regulations, guidelines and the approved timetable for the election.
“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,” Dantalle said.
He said all political parties and candidates must receive equal treatment during the electoral process. Complaints must also be handled promptly within INEC’s legal powers.
Dantalle listed transparent accreditation and voting, timely delivery of election materials and accurate collation of results among INEC’s duties.
He said the integrity of the electoral process must be protected from manipulation.
The IPAC chairman also warned political actors against actions that could increase tension in Osun State before the election.
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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,” he said.
The council also condemned vote buying, electoral violence and the use of state institutions to intimidate political opponents.
Dantalle said government structures must stay neutral and must not be used to give partisan advantage to any side.
Council attacks account freeze
IPAC also criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s freezing of Osun State Government accounts. Dantalle said it could undermine the administration of the state.
He said financial investigations could still be carried out without denying millions of residents access to public funds meant for salaries and essential services.
The council also appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to compete peacefully and reject inflammatory language.
It said grievances arising from the election should be taken through lawful channels.
Dantalle asked residents of Osun State to vote peacefully and protect their permanent voter cards.
“Let us remember that democracy is not simply about who wins an election; it is about ensuring that the process through which the winner emerges is credible, transparent, legitimate and reflective of the will of the people.
“Let the votes of the people count. Let the votes be counted accurately. Let the results reflect the votes. Let the will of the people prevail. IPAC calls for a free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful election in Osun State.
IPAC calls for an election without violence, intimidation or manipulation. IPAC calls on all stakeholders to protect the peace and democratic integrity of Osun State.”
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