Osun 2026: Peter Obi Calls For Peace, Credible Poll

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has called for a peaceful and credible governorship election in Osun State, urging political actors and stakeholders to allow residents to freely choose their leaders.

Obi made the call in a post on X as the state prepares for Saturday’s governorship election, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to maintain neutrality, professionalism and restraint.

“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,” he said.

Obi stressed that voters should be allowed to cast their ballots without intimidation and that their votes must be properly counted and the results announced in line with the will of the electorate.

“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,” he said.

He also appealed to residents of Osun to reject violence, warning them against allowing political differences to divide communities.

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“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,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor also urged politicians, supporters, influencers and financiers outside Osun to avoid actions that could undermine the election.

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

Addressing security agencies, Obi said, “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 similarly urged INEC to safeguard the credibility of the election from accreditation and voting through collation and declaration.

“Every irregularity must be addressed seriously, and every legitimate vote must count,” he said.

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

He said the election should demonstrate that political competition can take place without violence and that leadership can change through the ballot rather than bloodshed.

“Let every vote count. Let every voter be protected. Let every legitimate result be respected. And above all, let peace reign in Osun State,” he said.

“Nigeria is watching. Africa is watching. The world is watching,” Obi added.