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The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on electoral authorities, security agencies and political actors to ensure that the forthcoming Osun State governorship election is peaceful, transparent and reflects the will of voters.
Obi, in a statement issued on Thursday, urged stakeholders to resist attempts to manipulate the election or intimidate voters.
He said the people of Osun must be allowed to choose their leaders freely and safely, stressing that the credibility of the election would depend on the conduct of all stakeholders.
“Osun belongs to its people,” Obi said.
“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.”
He urged voters and residents across the state not to allow political competition 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.
“Nigeria is bigger than any candidate, and Osun is greater than any political party.”
Obi also warned politicians, supporters, influencers and financiers outside the state against importing violence into the election.
“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.
The former Anambra State governor also charged security agencies to remain politically neutral and protect voters irrespective of their political affiliations.
“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 said.
Obi called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to protect the integrity of the election throughout the electoral process, from accreditation and voting to collation and declaration.
He also appealed to international observers and diplomatic missions to closely monitor the election, saying their presence could strengthen public confidence in the process.
He argued that the success of democracy should not be measured solely by the identity of the winner but by whether voters are genuinely free to determine the outcome.
“Democracy is not merely about who wins. Democracy is about whether the people are truly allowed to choose,” he said.
Obi urged political actors to demonstrate that fierce electoral competition could take place without violence.
“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 said.
OSUN STATE: LET THE PEOPLE CHOOSE, LET PEACE PREVAIL
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…
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) August 13, 2026
