Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, has called on politicians, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election in Osun State scheduled for August 15.
Obi, in a statement issued on Thursday titled, “Osun State: Let The People Choose, Let Peace Prevail,” warned against violence, intimidation, electoral manipulation and other actions capable of undermining the right of Osun residents to freely elect their leaders.
The former Anambra State governor urged INEC, security agencies, political parties, candidates, government institutions, civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, the media and other stakeholders to demonstrate neutrality, professionalism and restraint throughout the electoral process.
He stressed that the people of Osun State must be allowed to vote freely and safely, while their votes must be properly counted, protected and announced in accordance with the genuine will of the electorate.
“As we approach the upcoming election in Osun State, I wish to draw the attention of Nigerians, our institutions, political actors, the diplomatic community, international observers, and all friends of Nigeria across the world to the solemn responsibility before us,” Obi stated.
“Osun belongs to its people. Therefore, I call on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties, candidates, government institutions, civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, the media, and every stakeholder to act with the highest degree of neutrality, professionalism, and restraint.”
Obi also appealed directly to residents of Osun State not to allow political interests to create divisions among communities or provoke violence before, during or after the election.
“To those within Osun State, I appeal for peace. Do not allow politicians to turn your neighbours, friends, and communities against each other,” he said.
“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.”
The NDC presidential candidate further cautioned politicians, political supporters, influencers and financiers outside Osun State against bringing violence, intimidation or desperation into the state in the course of the election.
“To those outside Osun — politicians, supporters, influencers, and financiers — I urge you to exercise restraint,” Obi said.
“Do not import violence, intimidation, or desperation into a state whose people have the constitutional right to choose their leaders peacefully.”
He also charged security agencies deployed for the election to remain politically neutral and uphold their constitutional responsibilities, stressing that their allegiance must be to Nigeria rather than any political party or individual.
“To our security agencies, your loyalty must be to Nigeria and the Constitution, not to any political party or individual,” Obi stated. “Your duty is to protect every voter equally.”
Obi tasked INEC with ensuring that the credibility of the election is protected from the preparatory stages through accreditation, voting, collation and declaration of results.
He called for every irregularity to be treated seriously and for every legitimate vote to be allowed to count.
“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.
The former governor also called on the international community, diplomatic missions and election observers to closely monitor the Osun election, saying their presence and vigilance could strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“And to the international community, diplomatic missions, and election observers: please monitor Osun closely,” Obi said.
“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.”
Obi maintained that democracy should not simply be viewed as a process of determining which candidate emerges victorious, but must fundamentally protect the people’s right to freely make their choice.
“Let us remember that democracy is not merely about who wins,” he said. “Democracy is about whether the people are truly allowed to choose.”
He urged political actors to demonstrate that electoral competition could be intense without resulting in bloodshed, hatred, destruction or the breakdown of social order.
“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 stated.
He further urged all stakeholders to protect voters, respect legitimate electoral outcomes and place peace above partisan interests.
“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.