Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on all stakeholders in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election to ensure that voters are allowed to exercise their franchise freely and without intimidation.
Obi made the call in a statement posted on his X platform on Thursday, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to maintain neutrality, professionalism and restraint before, during and after the election.
The former Anambra State governor said the people of Osun State must be allowed to determine their leaders through a transparent and credible electoral process.
He urged INEC to ensure that votes were properly counted, protected and announced in accordance 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.
He appealed to residents of Osun to reject violence and resist attempts by politicians to create divisions within communities for electoral advantage.
“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 also called on politicians, supporters, influencers and financiers outside the state to avoid actions that could fuel violence or intimidation during the poll.
He specifically urged security agencies to remain loyal to the Constitution and the Nigerian state rather than 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 former presidential candidate also charged INEC to protect the integrity of the election throughout the entire process, from accreditation and voting to collation and declaration of results.
He urged the electoral commission to investigate and address any irregularities while ensuring that every legitimate vote counted.
Obi appealed to the international community, diplomatic missions and election observers to closely monitor the election, saying their presence could strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to him, the election should demonstrate that political competition could take place without violence and that political power could change hands through ballots 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 Osun election would be 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 delivering an election that would strengthen 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.
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