Osun: IPAC Hails Adeleke’s Victory, Says People Have Spoken

The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has congratulated Senator Ademola Adeleke on his victory in the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, describing the outcome as a victory for democracy, constitutional governance and the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Sunday, August 16, 2026, and signed by its National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, IPAC also congratulated the people of Osun State, saying the election demonstrated their commitment to choosing their leaders through the ballot.

The council said the outcome was particularly significant against the backdrop of what it described as reports of harassment, intimidation, arrests, killings and alleged attempts to use federal institutions to influence the electoral process.

IPAC, which serves as the umbrella body for Nigeria’s registered political parties, said it had consistently raised concerns over alleged political violence and interference ahead of the election and called for a free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive poll.

According to the council, the outcome of the election showed that the people of Osun State had exercised their constitutional right to determine who governs them.

“Today, the people of Osun State have spoken with their votes and chose their governor. This is democracy in action,” the council said.

IPAC’s reaction comes against the backdrop of a highly contested political atmosphere surrounding the Osun governorship election, with the poll attracting intense attention from political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders.

The council said the reported pressure and controversies surrounding the election made the eventual outcome an important test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

It further called on all political actors and stakeholders to respect the outcome of the election and avoid actions capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

IPAC also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations, election observers and the international community for their roles in the conduct and monitoring of the election.

The council said the responsibility of strengthening Nigeria’s democracy should not end with the conclusion of an election, stressing the need for continued efforts to restore electoral integrity and rebuild citizens’ trust in the democratic system.

The Osun election is expected to have wider political implications, particularly as political parties and opposition groups begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The outcome has also renewed discussions about the ability of opposition parties to work together, the role of federal institutions in state elections and the need for stronger safeguards against electoral violence and interference.

IPAC said it would continue to work with political parties and other stakeholders to create an environment conducive to credible elections across the country.

The council urged the people of Osun State and political actors to preserve the peace following the election, while reiterating that the will of the electorate must remain at the centre of Nigeria’s democratic process.

It described the outcome as an opportunity to deepen democratic practice and strengthen confidence in the ballot as the legitimate means of choosing political leaders.