The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has described Senator Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the Osun State governorship election as “sweet music” to democracy lovers, saying the result demonstrated that the will of the people could prevail at the ballot.
The council said the outcome showed that voters could withstand pressure and attempts to influence the electoral process and still have the final say in choosing their governor.
The position was contained in a statement signed by IPAC National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, who said the umbrella body of Nigeria’s registered political parties remained committed to consolidating, deepening and strengthening democracy.
“The victory of Accord in this election is sweet music in the ears of all lovers of democracy in Nigeria,” Dantalle said.
IPAC congratulated Adeleke, the Accord Party and the people of Osun State, saying the electorate had demonstrated its commitment to constitutional governance despite what it described as a challenging pre-election environment.
The council alleged that the period leading to the election was characterised by harassment, intimidation, arrests and killings, as well as alleged abuse of federal institutions in attempts to influence or compromise the poll.
It also condemned what it described as political violence and interference by federal institutions, recalling that it had demanded a free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive election.
“Today, the people of Osun State have spoken with their votes and chose their governor. This is democracy in action,” the council said.
IPAC said the result also represented a rejection of what it described as attempts by anti-democratic forces to impose an unpopular candidate on the people.
It warned that such actions could trigger political upheaval and undermine Nigeria’s hard-earned democratic gains.
The council urged all political actors and other stakeholders to respect the outcome of the election and the decision of the electorate.
It commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations, election observers and the international community for their respective roles in the conduct of the poll.
Dantalle said IPAC would continue to work towards strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensuring that the votes of Nigerians remained the ultimate determinant of political leadership.
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