The Labour Party, New Nigerian People’s Party, and other political parties under the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have withdrawn from the upcoming local government election in Osun State, slated for February 22, 2025.

State Chairman of IPAC, Victor Akande made the declaration while addressing journalists in Osogbo, Osun State Capital.

The parties according to him, are protesting the alleged bias of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) in favour of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

IPAC accuses OSSIEC of paving the way for electoral malpractices in the forthcoming election.

The body also raised concerns about the neutrality of OSSIEC Chairman, Barrister Ashim Abioye, who they claim is a former appointee of the current state government led by Governor Ademola Adeleke of the PDP.

Akande expressed disappointment that the Council has not received the necessary updates from the Commission ahead of the election, contrary to their expectations. He further alleged that the PDP in Osun State is deliberately creating a crisis atmosphere to intimidate and discourage people from participating in the election.