…NDC Presidential Candidate Urges INEC, Security Agencies to Let the People’s Will Prevail
By Jeremy Fregene
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has called for a peaceful, transparent, and credible governorship election in Osun State, warning that the eyes of Nigeria, Africa, and the international community are firmly fixed on the conduct of Saturday’s poll.
In a statement on Thursday, Obi appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, and all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy by ensuring that the people of Osun are allowed to choose their next governor freely and without intimidation.
He stressed that the election should reflect the genuine will of the electorate, insisting that every legitimate vote must count and every valid result must be respected.
“Osun belongs to its people,” Obi declared. “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.”
The former Anambra State governor urged INEC to remain impartial throughout the electoral process, from accreditation to voting, collation, and declaration of results, saying the credibility of the election would depend on the commission’s ability to act independently and professionally.
He also called on security agencies to remain loyal to the Constitution rather than political interests, urging them to provide equal protection for all voters regardless of party affiliation.
According to him, the responsibility of security personnel is to safeguard lives, protect the electoral process, and inspire public confidence in the democratic exercise.
Obi appealed to political parties, candidates, government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media to conduct themselves with restraint and impartiality before, during, and after the election.
Addressing residents of Osun State, the NDC standard-bearer urged them not to allow political competition to divide communities or destroy long-standing relationships.
He warned against violence and urged citizens to resist any attempt by politicians to pit neighbours against one another in pursuit of electoral victory.
“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 said.
Obi also directed a strong appeal to politicians, supporters, financiers, and influencers outside Osun State, urging them not to import violence, intimidation, or desperation into the election.
He said the people of the state had a constitutional right to choose their leaders peacefully without external interference or coercion.
The presidential candidate further called on members of the diplomatic community, international election observers, and Nigeria’s development partners to pay close attention to the conduct of the poll.
According to him, credible international observation would strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and reinforce the country’s commitment to the rule of law.
He said Nigeria welcomed genuine partnerships aimed at protecting democracy, peaceful elections, and constitutional governance.
Obi maintained that democracy should not be measured solely by who emerges victorious but by whether citizens are genuinely allowed to exercise their right to choose their leaders through the ballot.
He expressed hope that Osun would demonstrate that political competition could remain vigorous without descending into violence and that power could change hands through the ballot box rather than bloodshed.
“Let every vote count. Let every voter be protected. Let every legitimate result be respected. Above all, let peace reign in Osun State,” he said.
Obi concluded by reminding all stakeholders that the credibility of the Osun governorship election would be judged not only by Nigerians but also by the wider international community.
“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.
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