The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has warned political actors and government institutions against using state machinery to manipulate the August 15 Osun State governorship election, saying the outcome must reflect the will of the electorate.

IPAC National Chairman, Dr Yusuf M. Dantalle, gave the warning on Monday in Abuja while addressing journalists after the council’s General Assembly meeting on the political situation in Osun State ahead of Saturday’s election.

Dantalle specifically condemned the freezing of Osun State Government accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the action as politically motivated and capable of undermining the effective administration of the state.

He argued that investigations into alleged financial impropriety could be carried out without freezing the accounts of an entire state government.

According to him, the action could have far-reaching consequences for millions of residents who depend on government services, particularly civil servants awaiting salaries and other legitimate entitlements.

“IPAC therefore urges the EFCC to exercise utmost caution, professionalism and restraint in the discharge of its mandate and ensure that its actions do not inadvertently punish innocent citizens for alleged infractions they neither committed nor facilitated,” he said.

The council maintained that the fight against corruption must be pursued without political considerations but within the ambit of the law, due process and respect for citizens’ rights.

Dantalle also warned against the use or abuse of government institutions, public resources and security agencies to intimidate political opponents, suppress legitimate political activities or influence voters.

“Government institutions belong to the people and must remain institutions of the State, not instruments of partisan political competition. No political party or candidate should enjoy an institutional advantage merely because it controls governmental structures,” he said.

He called on all relevant public institutions to maintain political neutrality, professionalism and impartiality throughout the electoral process.

The IPAC chairman said the council would not support any attempt by political parties, candidates or public institutions to undermine the democratic rights of Osun voters.

“The ballot belongs to the people. The electoral process belongs to the people. And the outcome must reflect the will of the people,” he said.

The council urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the election with the highest degree of professionalism, independence, transparency and impartiality.

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Dantalle said INEC must ensure strict compliance with the Constitution, Electoral Act, regulations, guidelines and its approved timetable.

He urged the commission to ensure that voters are able to cast their ballots without intimidation, while electoral officials and ad hoc personnel remain neutral and professional.

He also demanded the timely deployment of election materials, transparent accreditation and voting, accurate collation and announcement of results, and equal treatment of all political parties and candidates.

The council similarly called on security agencies deployed for the election to remain professional and non-partisan.

According to Dantalle, security personnel must protect voters, candidates, party agents, electoral officials and election materials without discrimination and must not become instruments for intimidating voters or suppressing legitimate political activities.

IPAC expressed concern over what it described as heightened political tension in Osun and urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to immediately de-escalate the situation.

Dantalle called on political actors to moderate their rhetoric and avoid threats, inflammatory statements and actions capable of triggering violence.

“Political competition must not become political warfare. There can be no winner in an election conducted in an atmosphere of violence, fear and intimidation,” he said.

He urged political parties and candidates to reject political thuggery, intimidation, harassment and destruction of property, while encouraging them to accept legitimate electoral outcomes and seek redress through lawful channels where disputes arise.

The council also condemned vote buying and other forms of voter inducement, urging candidates to compete based on their programmes, records, policies and vision for Osun State.

Dantalle appealed to residents of the state to remain peaceful, protect their Permanent Voter Cards and exercise their franchise according to their conscience.

He said no political disagreement should be allowed to destroy the peace, unity and future of the state.

The IPAC chairman further urged the judiciary, media, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, and other stakeholders to play their roles in ensuring a credible election.

He said the media, in particular, must avoid publishing unverified information capable of escalating political tension.

Dantalle said the August 15 election presented another opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate that its democracy could produce an outcome that genuinely reflects the choice of voters.

“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,” he said.