Don’t Be A Vessel For Political Destruction, Gov. Abiodun Tells New IPAC Executives

ABEOKUTA – The Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has charged the newly inaugurated executives of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Ogun state to remain unbiased and desist from being used as political tools in the hands of politicians.

Gov. Abiodun disclosed this on Tuesday at the inauguration of the new IPAC exco held at the INEC office, in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

The governor who was represented by the Senior consultant on Media, Ambassador Tunde Oladunjoye said IPAC should not be seen as an opposition body.

The governor noted that, while individual parties can criticize or oppose government in power, IPAC cannot be seen as opposition to the government.

Gov. Abiodun said his government shall continue to provide a level playing ground for all opposition parties in the state.

He said the government would continue to keep its doors open to IPAC as a body and even individual members or political parties for collaboration and cooperation.

“I must commend the peaceful nature of the last election which was free and fair. We commend the spirit of the winners and losers of the election. And from reports at our disposal, there were actually no losers as reconciliation has been made.

“We want to assure you that the government shall continue to provide a level playing ground as already demonstrated so far.

“The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) is the umbrella body of all the registered Political Parties in Nigeria. A platform for the promotion and sustenance of a free, fair, credible, transparent, acceptable, inclusive and peaceful electoral environment in Nigeria.

“It promotes the conduct of political contests devoid of rancour and emphasizes the values of tolerance, sound conduct, a spirit of accommodation and teamwork in planning or organizing political competition with a view to strengthening and deepening the nation’s emerging democracy.

“The above description of IPAC tallies totally with the political belief and style of administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun who is well known for his inclusiveness style of politics, the politics of Omoluabi that has reduced the political heat in Ogun State almost to a near zero.

“We state categorically that IPAC is not an opposition body. It is not expected to be. However, while the individually parties can criticise or oppose the party or government in power, IPAC cannot and should not be seen as an opposition. The body should be seen as a partner in progress who must exhaust all possible internal measures to interact with the government of the day.”

Speaking earlier in his acceptance speech, the new IPAC chairman, Comrade Sanyaolu Abayomi said he would uphold the principles of impartiality, fairness and inclusiveness.

Abayomi said the body would engage in constructive engagement and open dialogue to address the challenges facing the political landscape of the country.

“A very warm and gracious welcome to each and every one of you gathered here today for the Inauguration Meeting of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC). It is with immense honour and profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you as the newly elected Chairman of IPAC Ogun State.

“First and foremost, allow me to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the members of IPAC for entrusting me with this significant responsibility. I am deeply humbled by the trust you have placed in me, and I am committed to serving this council with so much humbleness, dedication and integrity.

“Today marks an important moment, in the history of IPAC, an organization that stands as a pillar of democracy, unity, and collaboration among political parties.

“We gather here with a shared vision of putting together, a vibrant and inclusive political structure, one that upholds the values of transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

“As we embark on this new chapter together, it is important for us to reflect on the great role that IPAC plays in our democratic process.

“IPAC serves as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and consensus-building among political parties, bringing in partisanship, for the greater good of our nation.

“In the diverse mass of our political strength, we recognizes the richness that comes from different ideologies, perspectives, and approaches. It is within this diversity that the strength of our democracy lies, and IPAC stands as a testament to our collective commitment to nurturing this strength.

“As the new Chairman of IPAC, I am deeply committed to upholding the principles of impartiality,fairness, and inclusivity. I believe that through constructive engagement and open dialogue, we can address the challenges facing our nation and chart a path towards sustainable development and prosperity for all.”