Osun Election: IPAC Hails Adeleke’s Victory, Says Democracy and Rule of Law Won

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory in the August 15 governorship election, describing the outcome as a triumph for democracy and the rule of law.

IPAC also commended the people of Osun State and the Accord Party for what it described as their commitment to constitutional governance during the electoral process.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, the council said the election demonstrated the power of citizens to determine their political leadership through the ballot.

The council alleged that the electoral process was preceded by harassment, intimidation, arrests, killings and what it described as the abuse of federal institutions in an attempt to influence the outcome of the election.

IPAC said the people of Osun nevertheless remained committed to exercising their democratic rights.

According to the council, Adeleke’s victory represents a rejection of what it described as “anti-democratic forces” seeking to impose an unpopular candidate on the electorate.

“The people of Osun State have spoken with their votes and chose their governor. This is democracy in action,” IPAC said.

The council, which serves as an umbrella body for registered political parties in Nigeria, said it had consistently advocated for free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections.

It therefore urged all political actors and other stakeholders to respect the outcome of the election and accept the decision of the electorate.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke the winner of the poll after he secured 511,067 votes, defeating his closest challenger, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Oyebamiji, who polled 444,815 votes.

IPAC also commended INEC, security agencies, civil society organisations, election observers and the international community for their roles in the conduct of the election.

The council said it would continue working towards creating an environment conducive to credible elections and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

It further called for renewed efforts to restore electoral integrity and rebuild public confidence in the country’s democratic process.

IPAC concluded by congratulating Adeleke and the people of Osun State on the outcome of the election.