Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged all parties involved in the upcoming Osun State governorship election to protect the integrity of the vote. In a message shared on his X account, Obi stressed that voters must be permitted to cast their ballots without fear or external pressure.
Obi directed his appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security services, and political actors, calling for impartiality and professional conduct throughout the electoral process. He emphasized that the residents of Osun should have the final authority to select their leaders through a transparent system. He further advised INEC to safeguard every vote from accreditation through to the final announcement.
Addressing the local population, the former Anambra State governor requested that residents remain peaceful and avoid being manipulated by politicians seeking to stir up internal conflict for personal gain. He warned against turning neighbors or friends against one another, urging citizens to prioritize the stability of their state.
Obi also addressed security personnel, reminding them that their primary allegiance belongs to the Nigerian Constitution rather than any political candidate or party. He encouraged the international community and election observers to keep a close watch on the event, noting that the conduct of this election would serve as a global benchmark for Nigerian democracy.
Ultimately, Obi argued that true democracy is defined by the ability of citizens to choose their representatives freely. He stated that the Osun election is an opportunity to prove that political transitions can occur peacefully via the ballot box rather than through violence.
