Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and political actors to guarantee a peaceful and credible governorship election in Osun State.
Obi made the call in a statement issued via his official social media page ahead of the poll, urging stakeholders to allow residents to elect their leaders freely, without intimidation or violence.
He said Osun State belongs to its people and charged INEC, security agencies, political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders to remain neutral and professional throughout the exercise.
“The people of Osun must be allowed to vote freely, safely, and without intimidation. Their votes must be counted transparently, protected faithfully, and announced according to the genuine will of the electorate,” he said.
He appealed for calm among residents of the state. “To those within Osun State, I appeal for peace. Do not allow politicians to turn your neighbours, friends, and communities against each other.”
Obi also warned politicians, supporters, influencers, and financiers based outside Osun against importing violence or intimidation into the process. “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 Anambra State governor further charged INEC to safeguard the credibility of the election at every stage, from accreditation and voting to collation and declaration of results. “Every irregularity must be addressed seriously, and every legitimate vote must count,” he added.
He also appealed to international observers and diplomatic missions to closely monitor the election, noting that their presence could boost public confidence in the process, and stressed that the exercise should prove political competition can occur without violence and that leadership can change 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. Nigeria is watching. Africa is watching. The world is watching,” Obi said.
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