Osun election: Let peace prevail, Obi urges stakeholders

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has appealed to all stakeholders involved in the upcoming Osun State governorship election to prioritize peace, fairness, and credibility. Speaking ahead of Saturday's poll, Obi urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, candidates, and civil society organizations to uphold the highest standards of neutrality, professionalism, and restraint.

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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 emphasized that Osun State belongs to its people and stressed the importance of allowing residents to exercise their franchise freely and without intimidation. "The people of Osun must be allowed to vote freely, safely, and without intimidation. Their votes must be counted transparently, protected faithfully, and announced according to the genuine will of the electorate," he stated.

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The people of Osun must be allowed to vote freely, safely, and without intimidation. Their votes must be counted transparently, protected faithfully, and announced according to the genuine will of the electorate.

Addressing the residents of Osun directly, Obi pleaded for peace, cautioning against allowing political competition to fracture communities or incite violence. He reminded them that "Nigeria is bigger than any candidate, and Osun is greater than any political party." He also directed a cautionary message to politicians, supporters, and financiers outside Osun, urging them to refrain from importing violence, intimidation, or desperation into the state, asserting the people's constitutional right to choose their leaders peacefully.

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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.

Furthermore, Obi reminded security agencies that their allegiance must be to Nigeria and the Constitution, not to any political party or individual. He called on INEC to safeguard the election's credibility throughout all stages, from preparation and accreditation to voting, collation, and the final declaration of results. His overarching message is a call for a democratic process that reflects the genuine will of the electorate in Osun.

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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.