OSOGBO — NDC Presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi has called on all stakeholders in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election to ensure that the people are allowed to freely choose their leaders without intimidation, violence or electoral manipulation.
In a statement titled “Osun State: Let the People Choose, Let Peace Prevail,” Obi appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, candidates, government institutions, civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, the media, diplomatic missions and international observers to maintain the highest standards of neutrality, professionalism and restraint.
Obi stressed that “Osun belongs to its people,” insisting that voters must be allowed to cast their ballots freely and safely, while their votes are transparently counted, protected and announced in accordance with the genuine wishes of the electorate.
He also appealed directly to Osun residents not to allow political competition to divide communities, warning against turning neighbours, friends and fellow citizens against one another in the pursuit of political power.
“Do not destroy your state in the name of winning an election,” Obi urged, stressing that Nigeria is bigger than any candidate and Osun is greater than any political party.
The former presidential candidate further called on politicians, supporters, influencers and financiers from outside Osun to exercise restraint and refrain from importing violence, intimidation or political desperation into the state.
Security Agencies Must Remain Neutral
Obi reminded security agencies that their constitutional responsibility is to protect Nigerians rather than serve the interests of political parties or individual politicians.
He declared that their “loyalty must be to Nigeria and the Constitution, not to any political party or individual,” urging security personnel to protect every voter equally before, during and after the election.
Obi Challenges INEC
The statement also placed a specific responsibility on INEC to protect the credibility of the election throughout the entire electoral process—from preparation and accreditation to voting, collation and declaration.
Obi urged the electoral commission to take every irregularity seriously and ensure that every legitimate vote is counted.
International Community Urged to Watch Osun
Obi also appealed to the international community, diplomatic missions and election observers to closely monitor developments in Osun State.
According to him, their presence, vigilance and principled observation could strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He emphasised that Nigeria welcomes genuine international partnerships aimed at protecting democracy, peace and the rule of law.
“Democracy Is About Whether the People Are Allowed to Choose”
Obi argued that democracy should not be reduced merely to determining who wins an election, but must be measured by whether citizens are genuinely allowed to make their choice.
He challenged Osun to demonstrate that political competition can be fierce without descending into violence, that political disagreements can exist without hatred, and that power can change hands through ballots rather than blood.
“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 with a message directed at both Nigerians and the international community:
“Nigeria is watching. Africa is watching. The world is watching.”
Obi urged all stakeholders to ensure that the Osun election produces a democratic process worthy of the Nigerian people, adding his familiar message: “A new Nigeria is possible.”
