The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, to allow votes to count and protect voters ahead of the governorship election in Osun State on Saturday.
Obi highlighted the importance of the election to the electorate and national development, noting that Osun belongs to its people.
He encouraged INEC, 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.
“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 said.
Obi appealed to Osun residents to maintain peace, advising them not to allow politicians to turn their neighbours, friends, and communities against each other.
He enjoined them not to destroy their state in the name of winning an election, saying Nigeria is bigger than any candidate and that Osun is greater than any political party.
Obi also urged those outside Osun State, including politicians, supporters, influencers, and financiers, to exercise restraint, warning against importing violence, intimidation, or desperation into a state whose people have the constitutional right to choose their leaders peacefully.
Addressing the security agencies, he noted that their loyalty must be to Nigeria and the Constitution, not to any political party or individual. He added that their duty is to protect every voter equally.
Obi further urged INEC to safeguard the credibility of the election from the preparatory stages through accreditation, voting, collation, and declaration.
“Every irregularity must be addressed seriously, and every legitimate vote must count,” he stressed.
“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 reminded stakeholders that democracy is not merely about who wins but about whether the people are truly allowed to choose.
Obi appealed to them to allow Osun to demonstrate to Nigeria and 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 maintained that every vote must count, every voter must be protected, every legitimate result must be respected, and peace must 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.
