The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has charged voters in next Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State to shun vote buyers during the election.
This is even as it urged the electorate to vote for the candidates of your choice, based on their manifesto, track record, and leadership qualities.
The National Chairman of IPAC, Mr. Yusuf Dantalle, gave the charge on Friday in Benin City, at a stakeholders’ engagement and voters’ sensitisation towards a peaceful, transparent and inclusive election in the State.
He stated that contestants in any election must resist the temptation to manipulate the process or attempt to force themselves on the people, noting that vote-buying undermines the integrity of our democracy.
“We urge you to know that the will of the electorate is sacrosanct and should be respected.
“The decision to choose leaders rests squarely on the shoulders of the people and that is what makes democracy unique.
“Leadership should be selfless service to the people, and if that is the case, no responsible leader would want to force himself or herself on the people,” he said.
The IPAC chairman who described the roles of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies as critical in maintaining the trust and confidence of the electorate, appealed to them to remain neutral and impartial.
He therefore admonished voters to come out en masses and exercise your civic duty without hindrance.
