NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
Obi made the call in a statement titled “Osun State: Let the People Choose, Let Peace Prevail,” urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to remain neutral, professional and restrained throughout the electoral process.
According to him, the people of Osun State must be allowed to vote freely and safely without intimidation, while their votes should be transparently counted, protected and announced in line with the genuine will of the electorate.
Obi also appealed to residents of the state not to allow political differences to create conflict among neighbours, friends and communities.
“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.
He further urged politicians, supporters, influencers and financiers outside Osun to refrain from importing violence, intimidation or desperation into the state.
Addressing security agencies, Obi said their loyalty should remain with Nigeria and the Constitution rather than any political party or individual. He urged them to protect all voters equally.
The former Anambra State governor also tasked INEC with safeguarding the credibility of the election from accreditation and voting to collation and declaration, stressing that every legitimate vote must count.
Obi called on the international community, diplomatic missions and election observers to closely monitor the election, saying their presence and principled observation could help strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He stressed that democracy should not be measured solely by who wins an election, but by whether citizens are genuinely allowed to choose their leaders.
“Let every vote count. Let every voter be protected. Let every legitimate result be respected. And above all, let peace reign in Osun State,” Obi said.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to demonstrate that political competition can take place without violence, hatred or 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.”
“A new Nigeria is POssible,” Obi added.
