‘Do Not Destroy Osun To Win Election,’ Peter Obi Warns Politicians Ahead Of Saturday Poll | Sahara Reporters

The former Anambra State governor also appealed to residents of Osun State not to allow political interests to divide communities or trigger violence before, during, or after the election.

Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, has warned politicians and security agencies against violence, intimidation, and electoral manipulation ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

Obi, in a statement issued on Thursday titled, “Osun State: Let The People Choose, Let Peace Prevail,” called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, and other stakeholders to ensure that the people of Osun are allowed to freely choose their leaders.

“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 to the solemn responsibility before us,” Obi stated.

“Osun belongs to its people. 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.

“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 also appealed to residents of Osun State not to allow political interests to divide communities or trigger violence before, during, or after the election.

“To those within Osun State, I appeal for peace. Do not allow politicians to turn your neighbours, friends, and communities against each other,” he said.

“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.”

Obi also warned politicians, supporters, influencers, and financiers outside Osun State against importing violence and intimidation into the election.

“To those outside Osun- politicians, supporters, influencers, and financiers- I urge you to exercise restraint,” Obi said.

“Do not import violence, intimidation, or desperation into a state whose people have the constitutional right to choose their leaders peacefully.”

The NDC presidential candidate urged security agencies deployed for the election to remain neutral and loyal to Nigeria and the Constitution rather than political interests.

“To our security agencies, your loyalty must be to Nigeria and the Constitution, not to any political party or individual,” he said. “Your duty is to protect every voter equally.”

He also tasked INEC with ensuring that the election is credible from the early stages of preparation through accreditation, voting, collation, and declaration of results.

“To INEC, 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 said.

He further called on the international community, diplomatic missions, and election observers to closely monitor the election, saying their presence could strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“And to the international community, diplomatic missions, and election observers: please monitor Osun closely,” he said.

“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.”

Obi said democracy should not be reduced to determining which candidate wins an election, but must also guarantee the people’s right to freely make their choice.

“Let us remember that democracy is not merely about who wins,” Obi said. “Democracy is about whether the people are truly allowed to choose.”

He urged political actors to demonstrate that electoral competition could take place without bloodshed, hatred, or destruction.

Obi stressed, “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.

“Let every vote count. Let every voter be protected. Let every legitimate result be respected. And above all, let peace 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.”