The chairman, Osun State interparty advisory council, Mr Adewale Adebayo, has hinted that only the inter-party advisory council (IPAC) is the authorised body to mediate in political and election affairs.
The Osun State IPAC Chairman said this while reacting to a claim by a group simply identified as Forum of Progressives Political party in Osun state (FPPP) alleging there is an increase in the number of fresh voters in the state.
Adebayo revealed this in a statement signed and made available to Tribune Online on Tuesday.
According to him, when the issue was raised IPAC has since met with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state which has cleared the air on the issue.
“It has come to my notice a publication making rounds from a group who call themselves the Forum of Progressives Political Party in Osun State. And the centre of their contemplation is suspicion over the hike in the number of fresh voters being registered in the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration Exercise by INEC.
“As much as whatever points they have raised can’t be pushed aside, let me state here that there is a valid body which is recognized as a voice speaking of the affairs of Political Parties in Nigeria which is IPAC. One of the fundamental reason for the creation of IPAC is to address issues, intimidation, grievances or unsporting behaviours that disenfranchises voters. Whenever these are recorded, the body is empowered to step into the matter, with the aim of tackling it head-on, to the interest of all its constituent members.
“In as much as every political parties under IPAC are entitled to its political views and ideology, IPAC as a political structure should be respected and duly consulted whenever it has to do with electioneering matters and interface with INEC.
“IPAC is the only group saddled with the responsibility of serving as an intermediary between political parties, INEC and the citizens.
“On the strength of this, I hereby wish to disassociate IPAC Osun State from the circulation of the FPPP. Their position does not in any way reflect the position of IPAC as the body saddled with the responsibility of interfacing between all registered Political parties and INEC, ensuring that justice and fairness are meted to all political parties.
” On election as the IPAC chairman Osun State, I made it known to all and sundry that together with my Executives, we will play our role to protect the franchise of every Osun state-citizen and resident irrespective of their political parties. And also provide a levelled playing ground for all registered political parties represented in Osun State. And this I have sworn to do with all of my might.
“However, I have personally looked into the issue in the spirit of progress and I have constituted a three-man committee that will look into the matter being raised. They are expected to meet with the State Independent Electoral Commission to get an explanation for the matter being raised. They are expected to file their report and submit it to the leadership of IPAC within 3 days.
“After this, IPAC will issue a detailed publication on the report from the committee, and make it available to the Osun State people. Until then I plead for calmness and shun any information that is capable of instilling fear of disenfranchisement in their minds. We are here to fight any form of injustice and this we shall do,” the statement read.
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Only IPAC authorised to mediate in political, election affairs ― Osun chairman