Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, free and credible governorship election in Osun State.

Obi made the appeal in a statement shared on X on Thursday, ahead of Saturday’s governorship poll. He urged political actors and public institutions to demonstrate neutrality, professionalism and restraint throughout the electoral process.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate said the people of Osun must be allowed to exercise their constitutional right to vote without intimidation. He also stressed that votes must be counted transparently and results announced in accordance with the genuine will of the electorate.

“Osun belongs to its people,” Obi said, urging residents not to allow political competition to create divisions among neighbours, friends and communities or trigger violence. He warned politicians and their supporters against destroying the state in the pursuit of electoral victory.

Obi also cautioned political figures, supporters, influencers and financiers from outside Osun against importing violence or intimidation into the state. Addressing security agencies, he said their loyalty should remain with Nigeria and the Constitution rather than any political party or individual, adding that all voters must receive equal protection.

He urged INEC to safeguard the credibility of the election at every stage, from preparations and accreditation to voting, collation and the declaration of results. He further called on the international community, diplomatic missions and election observers to monitor the process closely, saying their presence could strengthen public confidence.

Obi maintained that democracy should be judged not only by who wins an election but also by whether citizens are genuinely allowed to choose their leaders. He urged political actors and residents to demonstrate that electoral competition could take place without hatred or bloodshed, concluding with a call for every legitimate vote to count and peace to prevail in Osun State.