Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged stakeholders in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election to allow voters to freely choose their leaders without intimidation or interference.
Obi made the appeal in a statement posted on his X handle on Thursday, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to remain neutral, professional and restrained before, during and after the election.
Obi Calls for Credible and Peaceful Poll
The former Anambra State governor said Osun people should be allowed to determine who leads them through a transparent and credible electoral process.
He urged INEC to ensure that votes are properly counted, protected and declared in line with the wishes of the electorate.
“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.
RELATED NEWS:
- ‘Elections Are Not Military Operations’: Atiku Decries Security Overreach Ahead of Osun Election
- Osun Poll: ADC Blames Tinubu for Fadahunsi’s Controversial Remarks
- Osun Senator Fadahunsi Visits Police Headquarters For Questioning
- Osun Poll: Akiyode-Afolabi Raises the Alarm Over Rising Tension, Calls for Calm
- ADC Raises the Alarm Over Alleged Plan to Arrest Aregbesola Ahead of Osun Poll
- Osun 2026: Adeleke, Oyebamiji, Salaam, Esan Project Victory
- Davido Calls for Peace Ahead of Osun Governorship Election
He also appealed to residents to shun violence and resist attempts by politicians to create divisions among communities for electoral gains.
“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,” he said.
Obi further called on politicians, their supporters, influencers and financiers from outside the state to avoid actions capable of provoking violence or intimidating voters.
Security Agencies Must Remain Neutral
He charged security agencies to remain loyal to the Constitution and the Nigerian state rather than to political parties or individuals.
“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 Labour Party chieftain also urged INEC to safeguard the integrity of the election from accreditation and voting through collation and declaration of results.
He called on the commission to investigate any reported irregularities and ensure that every legitimate vote is counted.
‘Let Every Vote Count’
Obi also urged the international community, diplomatic missions and election observers to closely monitor the poll, saying their presence could help boost confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to him, the Osun election should demonstrate that political competition can take place without violence and that political power can change hands through the ballot rather than bloodshed.
“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 said the outcome of the election would be closely watched not only by Nigerians but also by the international community.
“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.
He added: “Democracy is not merely about who wins. Democracy is about whether the people are truly allowed to choose.”
Obi urged all stakeholders to work towards an election that would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“Nigeria is watching. Africa is watching. The world is watching. Let us provide them with a democratic process worthy of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.