IPAC urges INEC, security agencies to ensure credible Osun polls

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on all stakeholders in Saturday's Osun State governorship election to ensure that voters are allowed to exercise their franchise freely and without intimidation. In a statement posted on his X platform, Obi urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders to maintain neutrality, professionalism, and restraint before, during, and after the election. He emphasized that the people of Osun State must be allowed to determine their leaders through a transparent and credible electoral process. Obi urged INEC to ensure that votes are properly counted, protected, and announced in accordance with the wishes of the electorate. He reiterated that Osun belongs to its people and called on all stakeholders, ranging from government institutions to religious and traditional leaders, to act with the highest degree of neutrality, professionalism, and restraint. He also appealed to residents of Osun to reject violence and resist attempts by politicians to create divisions within communities for electoral advantage. To those within Osun State, Obi implored for peace, warning against allowing politicians to turn neighbors, friends, and communities against one another. He stressed that the state should not be destroyed in the name of winning an election. Additionally, he called on politicians, supporters, influencers, and financiers outside the state to avoid actions that could fuel violence or intimidation during the poll. He specifically urged security agencies to remain loyal to the Constitution and the Nigerian state rather than political parties or individuals, emphasizing that their duty is to protect every voter equally. Obi also charged INEC to protect the integrity of the election throughout the entire process, from accreditation and voting to collation and declaration of results. He urged the electoral commission to investigate and address any irregularities while ensuring that every legitimate vote is counted. He appealed to the international community, diplomatic missions, and election observers to closely monitor the election, stating that their presence could strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process. According to Obi, the election should demonstrate that political competition can occur without violence and that political power can change hands through ballots rather than bloodshed. He emphasized that every vote should count, every voter should be protected, and every legitimate result should be respected. Above all, he called for peace to reign in Osun State. Obi noted that the outcome of the Osun election would be watched not only by Nigerians but also by the international community. He added that the election should show the world that political competition can be intense without degenerating into violence, that disagreement can exist without hatred, and that power can change hands through ballots rather than blood. Obi underscored that democracy is not merely about who wins but whether the people are truly allowed to choose. He urged all stakeholders to work towards delivering an election that would strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Nigeria is watching. Africa is watching. The world is watching. Let us provide them with a democratic process worthy of the Nigerian people, Obi concluded. Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has also called on INEC and security agencies to guarantee a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Osun State. The council expressed concern over rising political tensions and urged all political actors to lower the temperature of political rhetoric and refrain from statements or actions that could threaten the peace and stability of the state.