Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged stakeholders in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election to ensure that voters are allowed to exercise their franchise freely, peacefully and without intimidation.

Obi made the appeal in a statement posted on his X handle on Thursday, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to uphold neutrality, professionalism and restraint throughout the electoral process.

The former Anambra State governor said the people of Osun State must be allowed to choose their leaders through a transparent, credible and peaceful election.

He urged INEC to ensure that votes are properly counted, protected and announced in line with the wishes of the electorate.

“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,” Obi said.

He also appealed to Osun residents to reject violence and resist attempts by politicians to exploit existing divisions within communities for electoral gains.

“To those within Osun State, I appeal for peace. 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,” he said.

Obi further called on politicians, supporters, influencers and financiers outside the state to refrain from actions capable of fuelling violence, intimidation or tension during the election.

He charged security agencies to remain loyal to the Nigerian Constitution and the country rather than to political parties or individuals.

“To our security agencies, 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 said.

The former presidential candidate also tasked INEC with protecting the integrity of the election from accreditation and voting through collation and the declaration of results.

He urged the commission to investigate and address any irregularities while ensuring that every legitimate vote is counted.

Obi appealed to the international community, diplomatic missions and election observers to closely monitor the election, saying their presence could boost public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

According to him, the Osun election should demonstrate that political competition can take place without violence and that political power can change hands through ballots 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,” Obi said.

He noted that the outcome of the election would be closely watched not only by Nigerians but also by the international community.

“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,” he said.

Obi added: “Democracy is not merely about who wins. Democracy is about whether the people are truly allowed to choose.”

He therefore urged all stakeholders to work collectively towards delivering a credible election capable of strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“Nigeria is watching. Africa is watching. The world is watching. Let us provide them with a democratic process worthy of the Nigerian people,” he said.