KEY POINTS
- Osun IPAC urges the Federal Government to release local government allocations.
- IPAC expresses full confidence in OSSIEC to conduct free and fair elections.
- Political parties pledge peaceful campaigns and support for social awareness initiatives.
The Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) in Osun State has appealed to the Federal Government to release monthly allocations due to local government areas, despite ongoing legal processes. The appeal comes amid preparations for local government elections in the state.
Speaking in Osogbo, the Osun IPAC Chairman, Victor Akande, emphasized that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) had already begun the election process, and any delay in allocations would hinder the functioning of local governments.
Election Process in Motion
Akande, flanked by representatives from 16 political parties including the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party, pointed out that the election process began earlier this year, well within legal timelines.
According to Punch, he assured the public that the parties involved had confidence in OSSIEC’s ability to conduct a transparent and credible election in line with legal provisions.
“We are asking the Federal Government to release the allocations as OSSIEC has not violated any law. The election process started in January, and we have followed all required protocols,” Akande said.
Confidence in OSSIEC and Peaceful Campaigns
IPAC also commended OSSIEC for its transparency, with Akande expressing the parties’ unanimous vote of confidence in the commission’s operations.
He highlighted the commitment of all political parties to maintaining peaceful campaigns, further reassuring the public that the elections would be a reference point for fair practices in Nigeria.
“All political parties have resolved to support OSSIEC in ensuring that the election is free, fair, and transparent. We are also committed to peaceful campaigns and encouraging our members to maintain peace,” he added.
Urging FG to Release Allocations
Akande reiterated that local governments in Osun State were not in violation of any laws, calling on the Federal Government to release allocations that are essential for the local councils’ operations.
He added that the political parties had thrown their weight behind OSSIEC’s efforts to combat social issues such as cybercrime, drug abuse, and cultism during the campaign period.
