The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), on Friday, called on voters in Edo to turn out en masse for the Sept. 21 governorship election in the state.

IPAC also urged voters to choose candidates based on manifestos, leadership qualities, and track records and reject any form of vote-buying.

Yusuf Dantalle, the national chairman of IPAC, made this appeal during a stakeholders’ engagement in Benin, stressing the importance of resisting election manipulation.

Mr Dantalle reiterated that the electorate’s will was sacrosanct and called on both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent election process.

“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 appealed to INEC and security agencies to remain neutral and impartial, adding that their roles were critical in maintaining the trust and confidence of the electorate.

(NAN)