The erstwhile chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Osun State, Wale Adebayo has demanded the resignation of Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC)’ boss, Barrister Hashim Abioye over alleged partisanship ahead of the February 22nd 2025 Local Government election.

Adebayo who is also the state chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) also tackled the leadership of IPAC led by Victor Akande for rescinding the decision to boycott the local government election over the alleged planned manipulation by OSIEC.

The Nation recalled that Akande alleged that the OSIEC chairman, Hashim Abioye is a card-carrying of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) and ex-political aide of Governor Ademola Adeleke, hence, 16 political parties decided to boycott the election among other reasons.

The APM chair expressed disappointment with the decision of IPAC to rescind its earlier decision to boycott the upcoming local government elections within 24 hours.

He said: “As a party committed to the democratic process, we firmly believe that Barrister Hashim Abioye is not legally and morally qualified to conduct a free, fair, and credible election. It is truly disappointing to see that IPAC has now backtracked on its earlier decision, citing the OSSIEC Chairman’s “listening ear” and readiness to work with them.”

We call on the OSSIEC Chairman, Barrister Hashim Abioye, to step down from his position and allow for the appointment of an independent and impartial electoral commissioner to oversee the commission.”

Meanwhile, IPAC spokesman, Dr Gbenga Afeni said: “We have made our findings and realised that the OSIEC Chairman, Hashim Abioye, has never contested any election before. He is not a member of any political party; he has never held any political position before.”

Also, OSIEC boss, Abioye described all allegations against him as a mere distraction by politicians, noting that February 22nd, 2025 is sacrosanct for the LG election.

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