Fifteen political parties in Osun have ended a months-long deadlock with the inauguration of a new leadership for the Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The new 9-man executive, led by Dr. Tosin Odeyemi of the Democratic Leadership Alliance, DLA, was affirmed on Monday in Osogbo at a meeting attended by 15 of the 22 registered parties in the state.
Parties that endorsed the new team include APC, LP, ADC, AAC, ZLP, NNPP, APGA, SDP, NDC, ADP, APM, AA, NRM, NDP and DLA.
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Speaking after the inauguration, Dr Odeyemi said the decision became urgent to prevent a vacuum that could cripple inter-party dialogue ahead of the election.
He recalled that IPAC was established by INEC in 2006 to promote credible polls and foster unity among political parties.
According to him, efforts to conduct fresh elections stalled after the tenure of the last executive under Pastor Victor Akande expired. The election earlier scheduled for March 14, 2026 was postponed indefinitely due to the absence of the mandated committee.
“With the governorship election weeks away, Osun cannot afford to be without a voice. Who speaks for parties during engagements with INEC, OSIEC and security agencies?” Odeyemi asked.
He said 16 parties resolved to constitute a new committee to prevent the council from being “hijacked by partisan interests.”
“We are here to serve as a bridge between political parties and the electorate. We will work with INEC, OSIEC, security agencies and CSOs to guarantee a level playing field,” he pledged.
“IPAC must not be allowed to collapse or be hijacked. This committee has our full mandate to speak for parties and protect the integrity of the electoral process,” Odeyemi stated.
He assured that the new executive would collaborate with INEC, OSIEC, security agencies and civil society organisations to ensure peace and fairness during the poll.
Other members of the new executive are: Prof. Adigun Oyewole, ADC, Deputy Chairman; Araoye Kazeem, AA, Secretary; Adesuyi Olufemi, ZLP, Publicity Secretary; Mustapha Muideen, LP, Treasurer; Dr Gbenga Afeni, NRM, Organising Secretary; Waheed Adediran, APC, Legal Adviser; Tayo Adeyemi, AAC, Financial Secretary; and Adebayo Olasunkanmi, APM, Deputy Secretary.