The NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi has called for a free, fair and violence-free election in Osun State, urging electoral officials, security agencies, political actors and citizens to put the will of voters above partisan interest.
In a statement released on thursday ahead of the upcoming Osun poll and titled “OSUN STATE: LET THE PEOPLE CHOOSE, LET PEACE PREVAIL,” Obi said the responsibility for a credible process rests on all stakeholders.
“Osun belongs to its people,” Obi said. “I call on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties, candidates, government institutions, civil society organisati
ons, religious and traditional leaders, the media, and every stakeholder to act with the highest degree of neutrality, professionalism, and restraint.”
ons, religious and traditional leaders, the media, and every stakeholder to act with the highest degree of neutrality, professionalism, and restraint.”He directed his appeal to voters in the state to resist provocation.
“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. Nigeria is bigger than any candidate, and Osun is greater than any political party.”
Obi also warned politicians, supporters and financiers outside the state not to interfere.
“To those outside Osun — politicians, supporters, influencers, and financiers — I urge you to exercise restraint. Do not import violence, intimidation, or desperation into a state whose people have the constitutional right to choose their leaders peacefully.”
On institutions, he tasked INEC with safeguarding credibility “from the preparatory stages to accreditation, voting, collation, and declaration,” and said “every irregularity must be addressed seriously, and every legitimate vote must count.”
He told security agencies their allegiance must be to the Constitution.
“Your loyalty must be to Nigeria and the Constitution, not to any political party or individual. Your duty is to protect every voter equally.”
Obi further called on diplomatic missions and international observers to closely monitor the process, saying their “presence, vigilance, and principled observation can bolster confidence in our democratic process.”
He framed the election as a test of democracy itself.
“Let us remember that democracy is not merely about who wins. Democracy is about whether the people are truly allowed to choose. 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.”
The statement closed with a direct appeal: “Let every vote count. Let every voter be protected. Let every legitimate result be respected. And above all, let peace reign in Osun State. Nigeria is watching. Africa is watching. The world is watching. Let us provide them with a democratic process worthy of the Nigerian people. A new Nigeria is POssible.
