The Labour Party, New Nigerian People’s Party, and other political parties within the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have decided to withdraw from the upcoming local government election in Osun State, scheduled for February 22, 2025.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, Victor Akande, the State Chairman of IPAC, announced this resolution.
These parties are objecting to what they perceive as the partiality of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) in favor of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
IPAC is accusing OSSIEC of laying the groundwork for electoral irregularities in the imminent election.
Furthermore, the organization is questioning the impartiality of OSSIEC’s Chairman, Barrister Ashim Abioye, whom they allege has ties to the current state administration headed by Governor Ademola Adeleke of the PDP. Akande expressed his dismay over the Council’s lack of communication from the Commission prior to the election, contrary to their expectations. He also claimed that the PDP in Osun State is intentionally fostering a tense atmosphere to intimidate and dissuade individuals from engaging in the electoral process.
The withdrawal of opposition parties from the Osun local government election has sparked a heated debate within the political landscape of the state. This move signifies a growing concern over the perceived bias and lack of transparency in the electoral process. The decision to boycott the election reflects a deep-rooted distrust in the fairness of the electoral commission and raises questions about the integrity of the upcoming polls.
The withdrawal of prominent political parties from the election not only highlights the existing rift between the opposition and the ruling party but also underscores the need for comprehensive electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections. The accusations of partiality and political interference in the electoral process cast a shadow of doubt over the legitimacy of the results that may arise from the upcoming local government election.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including the electoral commission, political parties, and civil society organizations, to engage in constructive dialogue to address the concerns raised by the opposition. Transparency, accountability, and adherence to electoral laws are essential to uphold the democratic principles of fairness and justice in the electoral process. Only through a collective effort to safeguard the integrity of elections can Osun State move towards a more inclusive and participatory democratic system.
