Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has appealed to the international community, diplomatic missions and election observers to closely monitor the governorship poll in Osun State on August 15, while urging political actors, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure that the election is conducted peacefully, warning that the poll must not descend into violence or manipulation.
In a statement titled “Osun State: Let the People Choose, Let Peace Prevail”, Obi said the election would serve as another important test of Nigeria’s democracy, urging all stakeholders to put the interests of the people above partisan politics.
He stressed that Osun belongs to its people and insisted that only the electorate should determine who governs the state.
“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”, Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor called on INEC, security agencies, political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media to discharge their responsibilities with neutrality, professionalism and restraint throughout the electoral process.
Against the backdrop of rising political tension and allegations of intimidation ahead of the August 15 poll, Obi appealed directly to residents of the state not to allow politicians to divide communities or provoke violence.
“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”, he stated.
He also warned politicians, financiers and political supporters outside Osun against importing violence or desperation into the state.
“Do not import violence, intimidation or desperation into a state whose people have the constitutional right to choose their leaders peacefully”, he cautioned.
Obi urged security agencies to remain impartial and uphold their constitutional responsibilities throughout the election.
“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.
He equally charged INEC to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process from the distribution of materials to accreditation, voting, collation and declaration of results.
“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”, Obi stated..
According to him, credible international observation would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process and reinforce the principles of peace, accountability and the rule of law.
“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 said.
Obi maintained that democracy is measured not merely by who wins an election but by whether citizens are genuinely allowed to choose their leaders without fear or coercion.
“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 added.
Obi’s appeal comes amid heightened political tension ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, which has witnessed allegations of political intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric and concerns over election security.
Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have deployed thousands of personnel across Osun State and repeatedly warned politicians against violence, vote-buying, voter intimidation and other electoral offences.
Civil society organisations, opposition leaders and international observers have also called on INEC and security agencies to ensure that the election is free, fair and credible.
Concluding his message, Obi declared: “Nigeria is watching. Africa is watching. The world is watching. Let us provide them with a democratic process worthy of the Nigerian people” He reiterated his signature message: “A New Nigeria is Possible”.
