LG Poll: Osun IPAC back tracks on boycott threat

The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Osun State has rescinded its earlier decision to boycott local government elections slated for February 22, 2025, in the state.

DAILY POST reports that Osun IPAC had on Monday, in an announcement by its chairman, Victor Akande, said it was withdrawing from the 2025 local government poll.

Altogether, 16 political parties took the decision to withdraw from the poll.

IPAC revealed that the decision to boycott the election was because the parties had lost confidence in the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission OSSIEC led by the Chairman, Barrister Hashim Abioye.

IPAC also alleged that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had finalised plans to use its members as electoral officers during the election.

The group also accused OSSIEC of deliberately hoarding information about the exercise from political parties in the opposition.

However, addressing journalists on Tuesday, Osun IPAC chairman, Victor Akande said all the 16 political parties that earlier took the decision were now ready to participate in the elections.

He said the political parties will field candidates to all the elective positions.

IPAC revealed that the decision to back down on its earlier threat was due to the fact that it has taken a look at the political happenings in Osun State.

Akande disclosed that the decision was arrived at after series of meetings with stakeholders.

He said: “After a fruitful deliberation with stakeholders in Osun state, we are glad to inform the general public that we have rescinded earlier decision on the forthcoming local government poll.

“OSIEC Chairman, Barrister Hashim Abioye, has shown to have a listening ear and ready to work with us.

“We decided to actively participate in the elections to allow members of their parties exercise their democratic rights and take shots into elective offices in the local governments.

“We hereby wish to tell the good people of Osun that we are ready to participate in the election.

“We have submitted our letter of intention in conducting our parties’ primary election.

“We wish to appreciate Governor Ademola Adeleke and other stakeholders for their timely intervention on the matter.”

Political parties in Osun IPAC include Action Alliance, African Democratic, Congress, Accord Party, Social Democratic Party, African Action Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Allied Peoples Party and the Peoples Redemption Party.

Others are All Progressives Grand Alliance, Zenith Labour Party, Action Democratic Party, Action Peoples Party, Labour Party, Boot Party, National Rescue Movement and Young Peoples Party.