Osun Election Tension Rises as IPAC Warns of Violence

(Yusuf Dantalle. Photo Credit: TheCable)

Yusuf Dantalle, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has raised alarm over escalating electoral violence in Osun State as the state prepares for its August 15 governorship election.

Multiple local government areas have been identified as flashpoints for potential poll-related unrest.

Dantalle warned political contestants against perpetrating violence against the constituents they aspire to represent, citing documented instances of casualties and destruction across different parts of the state.

In remarks to a news outlet, Dantalle stated that IPAC had consistently condemned such actions and cautioned all stakeholders including political candidates, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and traditional rulers to place the welfare of Osun residents at the forefront.

He characterised the violence as a departure from democratic principles and stressed that elections should allow citizens to freely and fairly select their leaders, with all parties respecting the outcome.

Dantalle cautioned that the escalating violence represents a troubling pattern and urged restraint across all involved sectors.

He specifically addressed the misuse of state machinery to intimidate or harass political rivals, calling for such practices to cease and allowing voters to exercise autonomous choice.

He cautioned that if such conduct persists, it could signal what awaits during the 2027 general elections and warned that permitting these actions to continue threatens the democratic gains already achieved, urging extreme vigilance to prevent further deterioration.