Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged political leaders in Osun State to shun violence ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, expressed concern over rising political tension and reported incidents of violence in parts of the state.
He said it was wrong for politicians to attack the same people whose votes they were seeking.
“It is unacceptable to harm the people you intend to govern,” Dantalle said.
He noted that IPAC had continued to engage political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and traditional rulers on the need to ensure a peaceful election.
“We have continued to condemn these actions and also alert various stakeholders, including political actors, INEC as the electoral umpire, security agencies and traditional leaders, on the need to prioritise the interests of the people of Osun,” he said.
Dantalle stressed that democracy can only thrive when voters are allowed to choose their leaders freely without fear or intimidation.
“We want to advise all stakeholders involved in the Osun election that this is a deviation from the principles and ethics of democracy, which is fundamentally about allowing the people to freely and fairly choose their leaders, with the outcome respected and accepted by all,” he said.
He also cautioned against using state institutions to harass political opponents, saying, “Those who use state institutions to intimidate or harass political opponents must desist and allow the people to make their own choices.”
Dantalle warned that if electoral violence persists in Osun, it could serve as a warning sign ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding, “If we allow such actions to continue, we must consider their implications for the general elections just a few months away. It could be a foreshadowing of what we may encounter in the 2027 elections.”
