By Heritage Odih, Abeokuta
As Ogun State chapter of the Inter – Party Advisory Council (IPAC) prepares for its March 2026 election, a chieftain of the ACCORD Party in the state, Hon. Oke Rotimi Michael, has called for a process that would reflect the highest standards of integrity to ensure the emergence of an accountable and transparent leadership afterwards.
Oke said that the IPAC plays a very strategic role in the democracy of the Gateway State, stressing that its leadership must never be reduced to a platform for personal ambition, selfish interest or cabal-driven control.
In an interview with reporters at the weekend, Oke who is the state chairman of ACCORD Party and a candidate vying for the IPAC Chairmanship position in the coming election being expected to hold on Friday, March 20, 2026, however, lamented that for a long time in the annals of the nation, the opportunities for leadership selection in crucial democratic institutions had often been turned into a means of exploitation and a platform for the expression of self – serving agenda, nepotism, greed, and deprivation of others.
He called for a new dawn in the Ogun IPAC, pledging to uphold its constitution, promote transparent financial reporting; guarantees freedom for all elected officers to function and fosters a media-friendly, responsive, and inclusive Council if elected as the State Chairman.
Oke said, “My vision for the 2026 IPAC election is based on Service, Unity, Integrity, and Progress. A call for a new dawn in IPAC, a new dawn in which the IPAC Constitution shall be upheld; Promotes transparent financial reporting; Guarantees freedom for all elected officers to function; And fosters a media-friendly, responsive, and inclusive Council.”
“For far too long, the opportunities for leadership selection in crucial democratic institutions have been turned into a means of exploiting the path towards the expression of selfishness, nepotism, greed, and the consequent deprivation of others. For how long will the service for the masses be exploited for the purpose of the self and at the cost of the values of transparency and accountability? These anti-democratic methods need to be taken head-on, if we pledge ourselves to the strengthening of the democratic base of the State.
“Leadership is meant to be a sacred trust. A person entrusted with power should be a person of integrity who is ready to give account of the power vested in him or her. It is unfortunate that, a supposed leader, who is nearly finishing his or her tenure, is not able to give a clear account of the financial and administrative details, that took place under his or her leadership, and most unconstitutionally, the transactions were carried out, under secrecy even from his or her close associates.”
According to him, people should begin to ask questions, demand accountability and transparency in leadership.
He noted that transparency should no longer be optional, but a thing to be taken as the hallmark of good leadership.
“The future of IPAC solely depends upon leaders committed to the need of leading, through the lenses of transparency, equity, and the respect of all the representatives of the political parties in IPAC.
“Politics, if understood in its true sense, is a service to humanity. This requires a purpose, a conviction, and a true commitment to progress. This can by no means be accomplished by authoritarian or cabal-styled leadership but, through unity, mutual respect, and collective responsibility.
“Beyond principles, leadership should bring in results.” And that IPAC must be concerned with true and good governance — a structured engagement, that deepens democratic culture across Ogun State; provide leadership training and capacity development for members, both locally and overseas; and build peace initiatives among political parties etc,” he said.
In his manifesto, Oke pointed out his priorities which include among others; positioning IPAC to function according to its constitution as an advisory council or bridge builder between the masses and the government, providing an enabling environment for all the political parties to thrive democratically in Ogun State; fostering public debates and interactive engagements ahead of the 2026/2027 general elections.
“IPAC must return to the original mandate of service to the people, protection for the vulnerable, and deepening democracy in Nigeria. Having witnessed firsthand, the daily manipulation of the intelligence of the masses by some self-styled leaders, it has become clear that the status quo cannot continue. The struggles of our people demand a responsive, inclusive, and courageous political structure which prioritises collective good over personal gain.
“The future of democracy in Ogun State, most especially as we gear up to another general election cycle, lies essentially in a credible, united, and disciplined IPAC. We must get it right. It remains a collective responsibility which calls for conscience, courage, and commitment to reform,” submitted.
