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IPAC Tasks Political Parties On Violence-Free LG Election In Osun

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Annual Stakeholders' Workshop organized by

-Organises Stakeholders’ Workshop Ahead Of The Council Poll

Ahead of the February 22 local Government election in Osun, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has told politicians to desist from using violent measures to get results.

IPAC said that winner takes all syndrome among politicians, where no room is given for losers in political contests, usually results in desperation to clinch powers at all cost by candidates and their supporters.

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Speaking at the Annual Stakeholders’ Workshop organized by the Osun State Chapter of Inter Party Advisory Council, Chairman of Osun IPAC, Victor Akande, said the essence of the workshop was to find a way forward for Nigerian democracy.

He said: “We are here today for a workshop to ensure way forward for our democracy. We discussed two issues namely violence and vote-buying which are affecting our democracy.

“As political parties we need to come together to see the way forward in order to tackle these two issues that has cause a lot of problems for our political system.

“Ahead of the local government election, I advise all political parties to conduct themselves in peaceful manner and avoid issues that can cause chaos in our political system that can threaten the unity of the state.”

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke commended members of IPAC for coming together and speak in one voice against violence and vote-buying.

Agboke who harped on the reasons for politicians to eschew from any act capable of causing violence, said violence is one of the cankerworm that is bedevilling the success of election in Nigeria.

He said: “We appreciate the initiative by the leadership of IPAC. It is very rare for you to see them as politicians coming up with this kind of workshop with a view to talking to themselves particularly on issues that is affecting them via-a-vis election and electioneering process.

“I am very glad that they are the one calling us to talk about vote-buying and talk about the tendency to be violent during the election.

“I also use this opportunity to say that the issue of vote-buying is a tendency that came into electioneering process not from nowhere, but the stakeholders are the ones doing it. They agreed with me that they are the ones perpetrating it.

“One of the steps we need to take to stem it out is for us to start massive education which they are starting with this workshop.

“Again on violence, it is one of the cankerworms that is bedevilling the success of election in Nigeria, stakeholders are the ones perpetrating it and we need to talk to them to be able to understand how to compose themselves and ensure that people are better encouraged to vote than been compelled to vote. If you unleash terror and violence you are forcing people to vote in a direction.”

In his lecture, the guest lecturer, Dr. Segun Odewole, from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, emphasized the dangers that vote buying poses on the Nigerian democracy.

Odewole said democracy is not just about voting- it’s about making informed and free choices, adding that “if we truly want a better Nigeria we must stop trading our future for temporary gain”.

“To voters, I say: Your vote is your voice. Do not sell it.

“To INEC and law enforcement agencies, I say: Do your job. Enforce the law without fear or favour.

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