Osun Election: Let people choose, peace must prevail, Obi

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for a peaceful and transparent Osun State governorship election, urging all stakeholders to allow voters to exercise their franchise without intimidation. In a statement posted on his X platform, Obi emphasized the need for neutrality, professionalism, and restraint from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, and candidates.

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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 stressed that the people of Osun State must be allowed to choose their leaders through a credible electoral process. He specifically charged INEC to ensure votes are accurately counted, protected, and announced in line with the electorate's wishes. "Osun belongs to its people," Obi stated, appealing to all stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders, to act with the highest degree of neutrality.

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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.

Addressing the residents of Osun, Obi pleaded for peace, urging them not to let politicians create divisions within their communities for electoral gain. He also directed his appeal to politicians, supporters, and financiers outside the state, advising them against actions that could incite violence or intimidation during the poll. Furthermore, he reminded security agencies that their loyalty must be to the Nigerian Constitution and the state, not to any political party or individual, emphasizing their duty to protect every voter equally.

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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.

In his appeal to INEC, Obi urged the commission to safeguard the election's integrity throughout the process, from accreditation to the final results. He called for the investigation and resolution of any irregularities, ensuring every legitimate vote is counted. Obi also encouraged international observers and diplomatic missions to closely monitor the election, believing their presence would bolster public confidence in Nigeria's democratic system. He expressed hope that the Osun election would demonstrate that political competition can occur without violence and that power can transition peacefully.

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Let every vote count. Let every voter be protected. Let every legitimate result be respected. And above all, let peace reign in Osun State.