A Call for Peace, Free Choice, Credible Elections and Respect for the Will of the People
As Osun State approaches its gubernatorial election, I wish to appeal to all Nigerians, political actors, government institutions, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, the media, the diplomatic community, international observers, and all stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Osun State belongs to its people. Their right to freely choose their leaders must be protected and respected.
I therefore call on every institution and individual involved in the electoral process to demonstrate the highest level of neutrality, professionalism, responsibility and restraint before, during and after the election.
LET THE PEOPLE VOTE FREELY
The people of Osun must be allowed to exercise their constitutional right to vote without intimidation, harassment, violence, inducement or fear.
Every legitimate vote must be counted accurately, protected throughout the collation process and reflected in the final declaration. The outcome of the election must be determined by the genuine will of the people—not by intimidation, manipulation or the influence of political power.
A MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF OSUN
To the good people of Osun State, I appeal to you: choose peace over violence and democracy over destruction.
Do not allow politicians to turn neighbours against neighbours, friends against friends, or communities against communities.
No election is worth the life of a single Nigerian.
Do not destroy the state you will still have to live in after the election. Political differences will come and go, but the relationships between our people and the future of our communities must endure.
Nigeria is greater than any candidate, and Osun State is greater than any political party.
A MESSAGE TO POLITICAL ACTORS AND SUPPORTERS
To politicians, supporters, influencers and financiers within and outside Osun State, I urge you to exercise maximum restraint.
Do not import violence, thuggery, intimidation or desperation into the electoral process. Political competition should be about ideas, leadership, competence and the trust of the people—not about who can deploy the most force.
Let the people decide.
A MESSAGE TO OUR SECURITY AGENCIES
To our security agencies, your loyalty must remain with Nigeria, the Constitution and the rule of law.
Protect every voter equally, regardless of political affiliation. Provide a secure environment for citizens to vote and ensure that no individual or political party is allowed to intimidate others or undermine the electoral process.
Your professionalism can make the difference between an election remembered for peace and one remembered for violence.
A MESSAGE TO INEC
To the Independent National Electoral Commission, the credibility of this election must be protected from the preparatory stages through accreditation, voting, counting, collation and declaration.
Every legitimate vote must count.
Every genuine complaint must be treated seriously, and every irregularity capable of undermining public confidence must be properly investigated and addressed.
The integrity of the electoral process is more important than the victory of any individual or political party.
A MESSAGE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
To the diplomatic community, international observers, development partners and friends of Nigeria across the world, I appeal for your continued attention to the Osun State election.
Your presence, vigilance and principled observation can strengthen confidence in our democratic institutions and encourage all stakeholders to uphold peace, transparency and the rule of law.
Nigeria welcomes genuine partnerships that promote democracy, peaceful elections and respect for the will of the people.
DEMOCRACY IS MORE THAN WINNING
Let us remember that democracy is not simply about who wins an election.
It is about whether the people were genuinely allowed to choose.
It is about whether citizens could vote without fear.
It is about whether votes were counted honestly.
It is about whether the electoral process was transparent.
And it is about whether all stakeholders are prepared to respect the legitimate outcome.
Let Osun State demonstrate to Nigeria, Africa and the world that political competition can be fierce without becoming violent; that disagreement can exist without hatred; and that political power can change hands through ballots, not bloodshed.
Let every vote count.
Let every voter be protected.
Let every legitimate result be respected.
Let every political actor embrace peace.
And above all, let peace reign in Osun State.
Nigeria is watching.
Africa is watching.
The world is watching.
Let us give them an electoral process worthy of the Nigerian people.
Signed:
Otunba Dr. Olugbenga Peter Obafemi
