Former Anambra State helmsman Peter Obi has called on participants in the forthcoming Osun State governorship contest to work towards achieving a calm, transparent and credible electoral process.
In a statement released on Thursday, Obi appealed to the electoral commission, law enforcement authorities, political organisations, contestants and other relevant groups to conduct themselves responsibly and maintain strict impartiality throughout the exercise.
He insisted that Osun voters must be allowed to freely select their preferred leaders without threats, coercion or harassment.
The former governor warned citizens against permitting political interests to create hostility within their communities. He encouraged residents to reject any attempt by politicians to provoke unrest, emphasising that the welfare and future of Osun should remain more important than individual political ambitions.
Obi also cautioned political actors, campaign supporters, online personalities and sponsors from outside the state against bringing actions capable of disrupting the peaceful conduct of the election.
He appealed to them to respect the constitutional right of Osun residents to determine their next governor through the ballot box, rather than introducing intimidation, violence or desperation into the process.
The former presidential candidate further urged security personnel to remain non-partisan while carrying out their duties. He said officers must serve the nation and uphold the Constitution instead of protecting the interests of particular parties or politicians.
He equally tasked INEC with ensuring that the entire voting process meets acceptable democratic standards. According to him, attention must be given to every phase, from election preparations and voter verification to polling, counting, collation and the final announcement of results.
Obi maintained that any questionable development recorded during the exercise should be properly investigated, while genuine votes cast by eligible citizens must be recognised.
Call for Global Monitoring
Obi further appealed to foreign representatives, diplomatic institutions and international election-monitoring organisations to closely observe the Osun election.
He noted that their involvement could help increase public trust in the exercise and reinforce efforts aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, peace and respect for the rule of law in Nigeria.
The former governor argued that democracy should not be defined solely by the emergence of a winner. Rather, he said, the true measure of a democratic election is whether citizens are given a genuine opportunity to make their choice without interference.
He urged contestants and their supporters to prove that political rivalry can remain peaceful despite disagreements and competing interests.
According to him, Osun can set an example by showing that political authority can be transferred through votes instead of violence.
Obi therefore appealed to all parties involved to place the protection of voters above personal and partisan interests, accept legitimate outcomes and avoid actions capable of destabilising the state.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to protect the democratic process and ensure that the election reflects the genuine wishes of Osun residents.
He stressed that voters must be safeguarded, authentic ballots properly counted and credible results respected, while peace remains the priority throughout the exercise.
