The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, free and credible governorship election in Osun State.
Obi made the call in a statement shared on X on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s governorship poll.
He said Osun belonged to its people and urged institutions, political actors, the diplomatic community, international observers and other stakeholders to uphold neutrality, professionalism and restraint.
“Osun belongs to its people. Therefore, I call on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties, candidates, government institutions, civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, the media, and every stakeholder to act with the highest degree of neutrality, professionalism, and restraint,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor said residents must be allowed to exercise their franchise freely and without intimidation.
“The people of Osun must be allowed to vote freely, safely, and without intimidation. Their votes must be counted transparently, protected faithfully, and announced according to the genuine will of the electorate,” he added.
Obi appealed to residents of the state not to allow political competition to divide their communities or lead to violence.
“To those within Osun State, I appeal for peace. Do not allow politicians to turn your neighbours, friends, and communities against each other. Do not destroy your state in the name of winning an election.
“Nigeria is bigger than any candidate, and Osun is greater than any political party,” he said.
He also cautioned politicians, supporters, influencers and financiers outside the state against importing violence and intimidation into Osun.
“To those outside Osun—politicians, supporters, influencers, and financiers—I urge you to exercise restraint. Do not import violence, intimidation, or desperation into a state whose people have the constitutional right to choose their leaders peacefully,” Obi said.
Addressing security agencies, the former presidential candidate said their allegiance must be to the country and the Constitution rather than political interests.
“To our security agencies, your loyalty must be to Nigeria and the Constitution, not to any political party or individual. Your duty is to protect every voter equally,” he said.
Obi also urged INEC to protect the credibility of the election from the preparatory stage through voting, collation and the declaration of results.
“To INEC, the credibility of this election must be safeguarded from the preparatory stages to accreditation, voting, collation, and declaration. Every irregularity must be addressed seriously, and every legitimate vote must count,” he added.
He called on the international community, diplomatic missions and election observers to closely monitor the election, saying their presence could strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.
“Democracy is not merely about who wins. Democracy is about whether the people are truly allowed to choose,” Obi said.
He urged political actors and residents to ensure that the election did not degenerate into violence.
“Let Osun demonstrate to Nigeria, and indeed the world, that political competition can be intense without degenerating into violence; that disagreement can exist without hatred; and that power can change hands through ballots rather than blood,” he said.
Obi added, “Let every vote count. Let every voter be protected. Let every legitimate result be respected. And above all, let peace reign in Osun State.”
He concluded, “Nigeria is watching. Africa is watching. The world is watching. Let us provide them with a democratic process worthy of the Nigerian people. A new Nigeria is possible.”