Ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties and other stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible poll.
Obi made the call in a statement ahead of the election, urging all stakeholders to uphold neutrality, professionalism and restraint throughout the electoral process.
He said Osun State belonged to its people and that voters must be allowed to freely determine who governs them without intimidation or interference.
“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 urged the people of Osun to maintain peace and resist attempts by politicians to turn residents against one another because of political differences.
He warned voters against allowing political competition to destroy relationships and communities, stressing that the state’s interest should take precedence over partisan considerations.
“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 appealed to politicians, supporters, influencers and financiers outside Osun State to exercise restraint and avoid actions capable of triggering violence or intimidation during the election.
“Do not import violence, intimidation, or desperation into a state whose people have the constitutional right to choose their leaders peacefully,” he said.
Addressing security agencies, Obi said their loyalty should be to Nigeria and the Constitution and not to any political party or individual.
He urged the security forces to protect all voters equally and create an environment where citizens could exercise their franchise without fear.
“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 charged INEC to protect the credibility of the election from the preparatory stages through accreditation, voting, collation and declaration of results.
He called on the electoral commission to address every irregularity and ensure that all legitimate votes were counted and reflected in the final result.
“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,” Obi said.
The former presidential candidate further called on the international community, diplomatic missions and election observers to closely monitor the election, saying their presence and vigilance could strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Nigeria welcomes genuine partnerships in the protection of democracy, peace, and the rule of law,” he said.
Obi stressed that democracy was not simply about determining a winner, but about ensuring that citizens were genuinely allowed to choose their leaders.
“Let us remember that democracy is not merely about who wins. Democracy is about whether the people are truly allowed to choose,” he said.
He urged political actors to demonstrate that political competition could be intense without degenerating into violence, hatred or destruction.
According to him, Osun has an opportunity to show that disagreements can be managed peacefully and that political power can change hands through ballots rather than bloodshed.
“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,” Obi said.
He called on all stakeholders to protect voters, respect legitimate results and ensure peace before, during and after the election.
“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 said.
Obi noted that the outcome and conduct of the election would attract attention beyond Osun State, stressing that Nigerians, Africans and the international community would be watching the process.
“Nigeria is watching. Africa is watching. The world is watching.”
He urged stakeholders to ensure that the election reflected the democratic aspirations of Nigerians.
“Let us provide them with a democratic process worthy of the Nigerian people.”
Obi concluded his message with his familiar call for national renewal, saying, “A new Nigeria is possible.”
