Osun 2026: No Political Victory Is Worth Nigerian Blood — Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for support and compensation for families of people who lost their lives during the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

Obi made the call in a statement posted on his official X handle on Monday while congratulating Governor Ademola Adeleke and the people of Osun State on the outcome of the election.

The former Anambra State governor said the election demonstrated the power of the electorate, but urged Nigerians not to lose sight of those who died during the electoral period.

“Once again, I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke and the good people of Osun State on the outcome of the election and, more importantly, on safeguarding the democratic process,” Obi said.

He said the people of Osun State had expressed their choice through the ballot, reaffirming what he described as the fundamental principle that “power belongs to the people.”

However, Obi said the celebration of the election outcome should be accompanied by remembrance of those who “paid the ultimate price for democracy.”

He expressed sympathy with the families of those who lost their lives under different circumstances during the election and urged authorities to identify and reach out to the affected families.

“I believe these families deserve our collective compassion, solidarity, and support,” he said.

Obi also called for visits, condolences and appropriate compensation for the families, irrespective of the political affiliations of the deceased.

He said electoral contests should focus on the choices and aspirations of Nigerians rather than violence and loss of lives.

“Elections should be about the people, their choices, and their aspirations — not about the loss of precious lives. No political victory is worth the blood of a Nigerian,” Obi said.

The NDC presidential candidate also called for reforms that would ensure future elections are conducted without the loss of lives.

He expressed hope that Nigeria’s democracy would mature to a stage where political differences could be resolved through issue-based campaigns and adherence to the rule of law.

“My prayer is that our democracy will continue to mature to a point where elections no longer come at the cost of human lives, and where political differences can always be settled through issue-based campaigns and the rule of law,” he said.

Obi concluded by praying for comfort for families who lost loved ones and eternal rest for the deceased.

“May God comfort all the families who have lost loved ones and grant the departed eternal rest,” he said.