The Inter-Party Advisory Council has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to guarantee a free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State on Saturday.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday after its General Assembly meeting, the National Chairman of IPAC,  Yusuf Dantalle, said the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria was worried about rising political tension in the state ahead of the poll.

Dantalle said the election must be a genuine contest of ideas, policies, programmes and warned that no individual or institution should attempt to substitute its will for that of the electorate.

“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 added.

He urged INEC to conduct the election with the highest degree of professionalism, independence and impartiality, and to ensure strict compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.

Dantalle said, “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.

“We urge the Commission to ensure that: all  political parties and candidates are treated equally; complaints arising during the electoral process are promptly addressed within the Commission’s legal powers; and the integrity of the entire electoral process is protected from manipulation.”

He listed transparent accreditation and voting, timely delivery of materials, and accurate collation of results among the Commission’s key obligations.

On security, the IPAC chairman said personnel deployed for the election must operate strictly within their constitutional mandate and protect voters, candidates and electoral officials “without discrimination.”

He warned against using security agencies to suppress legitimate political activity.

“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.

Dantalle also condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s freezing of Osun State Government accounts, describing the move as “politically motivated” and capable of undermining the administration of the state.

He argued that financial investigations could be pursued without denying millions of residents access to public funds meant for salaries and essential services.

The IPAC chairman further denounced vote buying, electoral violence and the use of state institutions to intimidate opponents, insisting that government structures must remain neutral and not serve as tools of partisan advantage.

He appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful competition, reject inflammatory rhetoric, and pursue any grievances through lawful channels, while calling on residents of Osun State to vote peacefully and protect their permanent voter cards.

He said, “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. ”

IPAC’s appeal comes as INEC finalises preparations for a keenly contested race. Fourteen political parties have been cleared by INEC to contest the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election.