By Boluwatife Adedokun
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Osun State has opposed the proposed use of uncustomised ballot papers and result sheets for the August 15 governorship election, warning that deploying such materials could undermine the credibility of the poll.
The council also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to comply with a July 22, 2026, court judgment involving the Social Democratic Party (SDP), insisting that all electoral materials used for the election must meet the required legal specifications.
IPAC made its position known in a statement issued on Thursday by the chairman of its caretaker committee, Odesola Oluseye Titus.
According to the council, customised ballot papers and result sheets are essential to guaranteeing transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.
Titus said INEC should not proceed with materials that fail to comply with the Electoral Act and other applicable regulations.
“It is unacceptable for INEC to proceed with uncustomised ballot papers and result sheets, especially after a court ruling that has clear implications for the integrity of the election,” he said.
He added that every political party was entitled to a fair electoral process and urged the commission to uphold the rule of law.
“We demand accountability and adherence to the rule of law and to the Electoral Act 2026, as amended. Every political party deserves a fair process,” he said.
Titus further argued that INEC should have acted earlier by reviewing its preparations following the court judgment and ensuring that all election materials complied with the required standards.
He warned that failing to address the issue could cast doubt on the conduct of the governorship election and urged the commission to take immediate corrective measures.
The IPAC chairman also alleged that Mrs Pauline Ugoyenka, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ebonyi State, was currently in Osogbo despite not being listed among the electoral commissioners deployed for the election.
He claimed that Ugoyenka was staying at Tees Continental Hotel on Laro Timileyin Street, Ayekale, Osogbo, and called on the INEC chairman to investigate the allegation and impose appropriate sanctions if any electoral guidelines had been violated.
“We stand united in our stance — there is no room for compromise when it comes to the democratic rights of the people of Osun State,” Titus said.
“We urge the commission to take immediate steps to rectify this situation and conduct the election using fully customised ballot papers and result sheets.”
He added that the council would continue to monitor developments ahead of the election while advocating for a transparent and credible electoral process.
