The presidential candidate of the New Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure that Saturday’s Osun State governorship election is conducted transparently, peacefully and without intimidation.
Obi made the call in a statement issued on Thursday, as political parties and their candidates intensified preparations for the election.
The former Anambra State governor also appealed to political actors, government institutions, civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, the media, election observers and other stakeholders to maintain neutrality, professionalism and restraint throughout the electoral process.
He said the people of Osun should be allowed to freely determine who governs the state, stressing that their votes must be protected, counted transparently and reflected in the final result.
“Osun belongs to its people,” Obi said, urging all stakeholders to respect the constitutional right of residents to choose their leaders without coercion or fear.
He appealed specifically to residents of the state not to allow political differences to create conflict among neighbours, friends and communities.
“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.
Obi also cautioned politicians, supporters, influencers and financiers outside the state against importing violence or intimidation into the election.
He urged security personnel deployed for the poll to remain neutral and discharge their duties in accordance with the Constitution.
“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.
The NDC presidential candidate further charged INEC to ensure that the integrity of the election was protected from the preparatory stages through accreditation, voting, collation and declaration of results.
He called on the commission to investigate and address any irregularities capable of undermining the credibility of the poll, while ensuring that every legitimate vote was counted.
“Every irregularity must be addressed seriously, and every legitimate vote must count,” Obi said.
He also called on the international community, diplomatic missions and election observers to closely monitor developments in Osun before, during and after the election.
According to him, the presence and vigilance of international observers could strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Obi said the election should demonstrate that political competition could take place without violence and that differences among political actors could be managed without hatred.
“Democracy is not merely about who wins. Democracy is about whether the people are truly allowed to choose,” he said.
He urged all stakeholders to ensure that political power was determined through ballots rather than violence, adding that the outcome of the election should reflect the genuine choice of Osun voters.
“Let every vote count. Let every voter be protected. Let every legitimate result be respected. And above all, let peace reign in Osun State,” Obi said.
He added, “Nigeria is watching. Africa is watching. The world is watching. Let us provide them with a democratic process worthy of the Nigerian people.”
