16 Parties Withdraw from Osun LG Poll Amid Allegations
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) announced on Monday the withdrawal of 16 political parties from participating in the upcoming local government election scheduled for February 22, 2025, in Osun State.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo, IPAC Chairman Victor Akande cited loss of confidence in the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) and its Chairman, Hassim Abioye, as reasons for the boycott.
Akande alleged that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had plans to deploy its members as electoral officers during the election, which raised concerns about fairness and impartiality.
The group accused OSIEC of withholding crucial information about the electoral process from opposition parties, further undermining transparency.
The controversy surrounding Abioye’s appointment intensified as IPAC members claimed he was improperly appointed due to his previous role as Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Senior Special Assistant on Legal Matters.
Despite earlier assurances to uphold integrity in the electoral process, IPAC accused Abioye of failing to fulfill promises made to ensure a credible election.
“Our position then was that Abioye was not legally fit to conduct a free, fair and credible local government election,” Akande asserted, highlighting their longstanding objections to his appointment.
IPAC’s decision underscores ongoing tensions over electoral integrity and fairness in Osun State, with implications for the credibility of future electoral processes.
