Established in 2006 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with registered political parties, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) serves as a platform for promoting and sustaining a free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful electoral environment in Nigeria.
The Council was introduced through the Political Parties Code of Conduct to foster democratic cooperation, resolve inter-party conflicts, and ensure that political contests are conducted without rancour. IPAC emphasises the values of tolerance, accommodation, and teamwork in the planning and organisation of political competition, all aimed at strengthening and deepening Nigeria’s democratic process.
Since its inception, IPAC has been active across the federation and is regarded as a critical stakeholder during electioneering periods. INEC views the Council as a partner in progress. The Police recognize it as a useful channel for promoting peace and de-escalating tensions during elections. Civil society organisations and non-governmental bodies also rely on IPAC as a credible platform for multi-party engagement.
In Osun State, IPAC has historically worked closely with both the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to support the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections. From the tenure of its pioneer chairman, Chief Adeleke Adesoji, through to the expiration of the term of the last chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, in February 2026, the Council performed its responsibilities. It provided a forum for inter-party dialogue in the state.
However, the current situation in the Council has become a matter of public concern. As it stands, Osun State is without a functioning IPAC.
Following the expiration of Pastor Akande’s tenure, during which he also served as Chairman of the Accord Party, two members of the Council declared interest in contesting for the chairmanship position. Akande sought re-election, while Dr Tosin Odeyemi, Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in Osun, also stepped forward as a candidate.
On the scheduled date of the election, March 14, 2026, the process was stalled. The disruption was attributed to the absence of committee members mandated to conduct the election. The National Organising Secretary of IPAC, Chinyere O. Kalu, later informed stakeholders that the election had been postponed and that a new date would be communicated in due course.
Since then, there has been no further communication from the IPAC National Secretariat. The reason for the silence remains unclear, and there is currently no coordinated platform for stakeholders in Osun to engage the Council. No caretaker committee has been constituted, even if the Council’s constitution permits such an arrangement. The state secretariat is not functioning, and there is effectively nowhere to direct official correspondence.
This vacuum is causing concern among stakeholders, particularly with the gubernatorial election approaching. The absence of a functioning IPAC raises a critical question: who will serve as the official mouthpiece for political parties in the engagements and consultations leading up to the election? For now, that question remains unanswered.
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