The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has appealed to political parties and candidates in the forthcoming Ondo governorship election to respect the peace accord they signed by playing by the rules of the game.
Speaking in Akure at a stakeholders meeting, the national chairman, Yusuf M. Dantalle, said the stakeholders’ engagement was targeted towards a peaceful, transparent and inclusive election in the state.
Adding that ahead of every election, IPAC brought stakeholders together to see the need to ensure that the exercise was conducted in line with the books, openly and consistent with the extant laws.
The IPAC national chairman noted that the body was structured at national, state and local government areas, in order to ensure that all levels and tiers of government were carried along in the electoral and democratic process.
He noted that as Ondo state approached the election, it was imperative that IPAC emphasised the significance of conducting a free, fair, and peaceful election.
“Stakeholders must all play by the rules, adhering to the electoral guidelines, constitution, and electoral act”, he said.
While urging the voters in the state, to exercise their civic duty without hindrance, he enjoined them to vote for the candidates of their choice, based on their manifesto, track record, and leadership qualities.
He advised the voters to reject any form of vote buying, as it undermined the integrity of democracy.
“To the contestants, you know that the will of the electorates is sacrosanct and should be respected. The decision to choose leaders rests squarely on the shoulders of the people, that is what makes democracy unique”.
“Contestants in any election must resist the temptation to manipulate the process or attempt to force themselves on the people. Leadership should be selfless service to the people and if that is the case, no responsible leader will want to force himself or herself on the people”.
The IPAC boss appealed to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to remain neutral and impartial.
