Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on political parties, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission and other stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and credible election in Osun State.
Obi made the call in a statement ahead of the upcoming governorship election, urging those involved in the process to remain neutral, professional and restrained.
He said the people of Osun should be allowed to freely choose their leaders without intimidation, while their votes must be properly counted and the results reflect the actual choice of the electorate.
“Osun belongs to its people,” Obi said, calling on INEC, security agencies, political parties, candidates, government institutions, civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, the media and other stakeholders to act with “the highest degree of neutrality, professionalism, and restraint.”
The former Anambra State governor also appealed to residents of Osun to reject violence and avoid allowing political differences to divide communities.
“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 urged politicians, supporters, influencers and financiers from outside the state not to contribute to tensions during the election.
He said security agencies must remain loyal to Nigeria and the Constitution rather than political parties or individuals, stressing that every voter should receive equal protection.
On the role of INEC, Obi said the credibility of the election must be protected throughout the entire electoral process, from preparations and accreditation to voting, collation and declaration of results.
“Every irregularity must be addressed seriously, and every legitimate vote must count,” he said.
Obi further called on the international community, diplomatic missions and election observers to pay close attention to the Osun election, saying their presence and independent observation could help strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.
According to him, democracy should not be measured only by who emerges victorious, but by whether voters are genuinely allowed to make their choice.
“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,” Obi said.
He urged all stakeholders to protect voters, respect legitimate results and prioritise peace throughout the electoral process.
“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.