The Inter-Party Advisory Council has warned political actors against using government institutions and security agencies to gain partisan advantage in the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The council also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to remain neutral, professional and impartial throughout the electoral process, warning that state institutions must not be used to intimidate political opponents or suppress legitimate political activities.
The National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, gave the warning on Monday in Abuja while addressing journalists after the council’s General Assembly meeting.
Dantalle said the council was concerned about the rising political tension ahead of the election and urged all political actors to reduce inflammatory rhetoric and avoid actions capable of threatening peace and stability in the state.
He said the election should be a contest based on ideas, policies and programmes rather than the use of government institutions to frustrate opponents.
“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 said.
The IPAC chairman specifically condemned what he described as the use of state institutions to intimidate political opponents, insisting that government agencies must operate within their statutory responsibilities and remain above partisan politics.
He also criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s freezing of Osun State Government accounts, describing the action as politically motivated and capable of undermining the administration of the state.
According to him, financial investigations can be conducted without restricting access to public funds needed for the payment of salaries and the provision of essential services to residents.
Dantalle said, “Financial investigations can be pursued without denying millions of residents access to public funds meant for salaries and essential services.”
The council’s position comes amid controversy surrounding the EFCC’s action on the state government’s accounts and its potential implications for governance in Osun ahead of the election.
On the role of security agencies, IPAC warned that personnel deployed for the election must operate strictly within their constitutional and statutory mandates.
Dantalle urged the security agencies to protect voters, candidates, party agents, electoral officials and election materials 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,” he said.
He added that the security of the people must remain the paramount consideration throughout the electoral process.
IPAC equally called on INEC to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, independence, transparency and impartiality in conducting the poll.
Dantalle said the commission must ensure strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, its regulations, guidelines and the approved timetable for the election.
He urged INEC officials and ad-hoc personnel to remain neutral and professional, while ensuring that all political parties and candidates receive equal treatment.
The council further demanded prompt resolution of complaints arising during the electoral process and urged INEC to protect the integrity of the election from manipulation.
According to IPAC, transparent accreditation and voting, timely distribution of electoral materials and accurate collation of results would be critical to ensuring that the outcome of the election reflects the will of the electorate.
The council also condemned vote buying and electoral violence, warning political parties and candidates against attempts to manipulate voters or use violence to influence the outcome of the election.
Dantalle called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful competition and channel grievances through lawful mechanisms.
He also appealed to residents of Osun State to participate peacefully in the election, protect their Permanent Voter Cards and ensure that they exercise their franchise without intimidation.
The IPAC chairman stressed that the credibility of the election would be determined not only by the eventual winner but by the transparency and legitimacy of the process through which the winner emerged.
“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,” he said.
He added, “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 consequently called for a free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful election, urging all stakeholders to protect the peace and democratic integrity of Osun State.
Fourteen political parties have been cleared by INEC to contest the August 15, 2026 governorship election, which is expected to be keenly contested.
