Osun IPAC elects new leadership ahead of August 15 governorship poll

Ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has elected a new leadership team.

Dr Tosin Odeyemi, Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), emerged as the new Chairman through an affirmation by members representing 15 political parties.

Other newly elected executive members include: Prof. (Mrs) Adigun Oyewole of the African Democratic Congress (Deputy Chairman), Araoye Kazeem of Action Alliance (Secretary), Adesuyi Olufemi of Zenith Labour Party (Publicity Secretary), Mustapha Muideen of the Labour Party (Treasurer), Dr Gbenga Afeni of the National Rescue Movement (Organising Secretary), Waheed Adediran of the All Progressives Congress (Legal Adviser), Tayo Adeyemi of the African Action Congress (Financial Secretary), and Adebayo Olasunkanmi of the Allied Peoples Movement (Deputy Secretary).

The event was also attended by the chairmen of several other political parties, including the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and African Action Congress (AAC).

In his acceptance speech, Dr Odeyemi promised that the new executive committee would operate as a formidable team and fiercely protect the interests of IPAC.

Recalling the history of the council, he noted that IPAC was established in 2006 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with registered political parties to serve as a platform for promoting and sustaining a free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful electoral environment in Nigeria.

He added that the council was introduced through the Political Parties Code of Conduct to foster democratic cooperation, resolve inter-party conflicts and ensure political contests are conducted without rancour.

Odeyemi noted that IPAC has historically worked closely with both INEC and the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to support credible polls.

Shedding light on the events leading to the fresh inauguration, Odeyemi explained that following the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past executive, headed by Accord Party Chairman Pastor Victor Akande, two members declared their interest in the chairmanship: Pastor Akande, who was seeking re-election, and Dr Odeyemi.

“However, the scheduled March 14, 2026 election was stalled due to the absence of committee members mandated to conduct the vote. Although the National Organising Secretary of IPAC, Chinyere O. Kalu, later promised that a new date would be communicated, no further updates came from the national secretariat.

“This prolonged silence created a dangerous vacuum, sparking concern among stakeholders as the gubernatorial election draws near.

“After due consultation, sixteen out of the twenty-two registered political parties in Osun State felt we should not allow our collective council to be hijacked by those desperate to put us in the pocket of a political party. Hence, the inauguration of this Executive Committee, with our full consent, to serve as an intermediary between the political parties and the electorate,” Odeyemi said.

Expressing gratitude to party elders and the national body for laying the foundation, Odeyemi pledged transparency and diligence.

“We promise to work as a formidable team. We will represent you well, carry you along, and work tirelessly to fortify Osun IPAC without disappointing you,” he assured.

He extended a hand of fellowship to other members, saying, “I appeal to the party chairmen who are not here today to join hands and work together with us to move Osun State forward.”