The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), on Monday, condemned the freezing of Osun State Government accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ahead of the governorship election.

The council described the action as politically motivated and capable of undermining the effective administration of the state ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The National Chairman of IPAC, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, disclosed this in Abuja, during a press briefing, after the council’s General Assembly meeting on the political situation in Osun State.

Dantalle said the council was concerned about the heightened political tension in the state ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election and called on all stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful poll.

He said while investigations into alleged financial impropriety could be conducted and those found culpable prosecuted, such investigations should not result in the blanket freezing of state government accounts.

According to him, freezing the accounts of a state government could have far-reaching consequences for millions of citizens by restricting access to public resources meant for essential services and developmental programmes.

He expressed particular concern over the possible impact on the payment of salaries and other legitimate entitlements of civil servants who depend on their monthly wages.

Dantalle said: “IPAC condemns the action of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government, describing the action as politically motivated and capable of undermining the effective administration of the state.

“The Council maintains that investigations or probes into alleged financial impropriety can be conducted, relevant transactions traced, and anyone found culpable apprehended and prosecuted without resorting to the blanket freezing of state government accounts.

“Freezing the accounts of a state government has far-reaching consequences, as it effectively deprives millions of citizens of access to public resources meant for essential services and developmental programmes. Of particular concern is the potential impact on the payment of salaries and other legitimate entitlements of hardworking civil servants who depend on their monthly wages to meet their basic needs.”

Dantalle said the fight against corruption must be pursued vigorously and without political considerations, but within the ambit of the law, due process and respect for citizens’ rights and welfare.

IPAC also warned against the use or abuse of state institutions, public resources, government machinery or security agencies to intimidate political opponents, suppress legitimate political activities or manipulate the electoral process.

The council urged all relevant public institutions to maintain political neutrality, professionalism and impartiality, stressing that no political party or candidate should enjoy an institutional advantage because it controls governmental structures.

He urged all political parties and candidates to respect the rule of law.
Where genuine disputes arise, political actors should utilise the legally established mechanisms for seeking redress rather than resorting to violence, self-help or extra-legal measures.

He added, “The Judiciary remains an important pillar of democratic governance and must be allowed to discharge its constitutional responsibilities independently and impartially. Political actors should therefore have confidence in lawful dispute-resolution mechanisms and refrain from actions capable of undermining the authority of democratic institutions.

“Political competition must not become political warfare. There can be no winner in an election conducted in an atmosphere of violence, fear and intimidation.”

The council also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the election with professionalism, independence, transparency and impartiality.

He urged the Commission to ensure timely distribution of electoral materials, proper training and supervision of officials, transparent accreditation and voting, accurate collation and declaration of results, and equal treatment of all political parties and candidates.

IPAC further charged security agencies deployed for the election to operate strictly within their constitutional and statutory mandates and protect voters, candidates, party agents, electoral officials and materials without discrimination.

The council condemned vote buying and other forms of electoral inducement, urging political parties and candidates to campaign on their ideas, programmes, records and vision for the development of Osun State.