NDC Presidential candidate Peter Obi
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi has called on political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and credible election in Osun State, urging that voters be allowed to freely choose their leaders.
Obi made the call in a statement titled: _“Osun State: Let the People Choose, Let Peace Prevail,”_ as the state prepares for its upcoming election.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, candidates, government institutions, civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, the media and other stakeholders to maintain neutrality, professionalism and restraint throughout the electoral process.
According to Obi, the people of Osun State should be able to vote without intimidation, while their votes must be properly counted, protected and announced in line with the wishes of the electorate.
“Osun belongs to its people,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor appealed to residents of the state to reject violence and avoid allowing political differences to create divisions within their communities.
“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 said.
He also appealed to politicians, supporters, influencers and financiers outside the state to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions during the election.
“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,” he said.
Obi further charged security agencies to remain impartial and protect all voters irrespective of their political affiliations.
“To our security agencies, 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 stated.
On the role of INEC, Obi said the electoral commission must ensure that the credibility of the election is protected from the early stages of preparations through accreditation, voting, collation and declaration of results.
“To INEC, the credibility of this election must be safeguarded from the preparatory stages to accreditation, voting, collation, and declaration. Every irregularity must be addressed seriously, and every legitimate vote must count,” he said.
Obi also called on the international community, diplomatic missions and election observers to pay close attention to the Osun election, saying their presence and impartial monitoring could strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“And to the international community, diplomatic missions, and election observers: please monitor Osun closely. Your presence, vigilance, and principled observation can bolster confidence in our democratic process. Nigeria welcomes genuine partnerships in the protection of democracy, peace, and the rule of law,” he said.
The former presidential candidate said democracy should go beyond determining electoral winners, stressing that the process must guarantee the people’s right to freely choose their leaders.
“Let us remember that democracy is not merely about who wins. Democracy is about whether the people are truly allowed to choose,” Obi said.
He expressed hope that Osun State would set an example by demonstrating 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,” he stated.
Obi concluded by urging all stakeholders to protect voters, respect legitimate electoral outcomes and maintain peace before, during and after the election.
“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.”
He added: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
