Osun IPAC Election Delayed Over Missing Electoral Committee

The planned election for the leadership of the Osun State Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) was stalled on Saturday after the electoral committee failed to show up, causing frustration among party officials and candidates.

The election, scheduled to take place at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Osogbo, drew all state chapter chairmen of registered political parties, who arrived early to participate.

However, officials responsible for conducting the poll did not appear, preventing the exercise from commencing. Several party leaders expressed disappointment over the delay. Prince Adesoji Masilo of the Booth Party said he arrived early to find no electoral officials on site.

Olusola Adeoye, representing the African Democratic Congress, described the situation as “frustrating,” noting that stakeholders had been waiting since 10 a.m. without any explanation. The leadership contest in Osun IPAC was expected to be competitive, with Tosin Odeyemi of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and Victor Akande, the incumbent chairman from the Accord Party, as the main contenders.

The outcome of the election is considered significant as it may influence political coordination among parties ahead of upcoming state elections. Efforts to reach the National Organising Secretary of IPAC, Chinyere Kalu, for clarification on the absence of the electoral committee were unsuccessful.

No official rescheduled date has been announced, leaving party members and stakeholders awaiting instructions from the national secretariat.

The Osun IPAC plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration among political parties in the state and advising on electoral matters, making the smooth conduct of its elections important for maintaining confidence in the democratic process.