Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on political actors, security agencies, electoral stakeholders and the people of Osun State to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election.
Obi made the call in a statement on Thursday, urging residents of the state to resist violence and intimidation while calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to remain neutral throughout the electoral process.
In a statement titled, “Osun State: Let the People Choose, Let Peace Prevail,” Obi said all stakeholders must place the interests of Osun State and Nigeria above partisan considerations.
He urged INEC, security agencies, political parties, candidates, government institutions, civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, the media and other stakeholders to act with neutrality, professionalism and restraint.
According to him, the people of Osun must be allowed to vote freely and safely, while their votes must be transparently counted, protected and announced in accordance with the genuine will of the electorate.
Obi also appealed to residents not to allow political differences to divide communities, warning against the destruction of lives and property in the pursuit of electoral victory.
“Nigeria is bigger than any candidate, and Osun is greater than any political party,” he said.
He equally urged politicians, supporters, influencers and financiers outside the state not to introduce violence, intimidation or desperation into the electoral process.
Addressing security agencies, Obi said their loyalty must remain with Nigeria and the Constitution rather than any political party or individual, stressing that every voter must be protected equally.
He also charged INEC to safeguard the credibility of the election from the preparatory stages through accreditation, voting, collation and declaration, insisting that every legitimate vote must count.
Obi called on the international community, diplomatic missions and election observers to closely monitor the election, saying their presence and vigilance could help strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He said the Osun election presents an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate that political competition can take place without violence and that disagreements can exist without hatred.
“Democracy is not merely about who wins. Democracy is about whether the people are truly allowed to choose,” Obi said.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to ensure that political power is determined through ballots rather than violence, adding: “Let every vote count. Let every voter be protected. Let every legitimate result be respected. And above all, let peace reign in Osun State.”
