Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised fresh concerns about the dangers of vote-buying, describing it as one of the biggest obstacles to Nigeria’s democratic progress.
In a message shared on his official X handle on Tuesday, Obi argued that politicians who bribe their way into power only do so to exploit the system. According to him, “bribing voters today becomes a licence to plunder tomorrow.”
He noted that funds that should be channeled into vital public services are usually diverted once such politicians gain office. “Such people are not leaders; they are looters. Their actions rob our society of dignity, development, and even life itself,” the former Anambra governor stated.
Obi also blamed voters who willingly trade their ballots for money or material gifts, warning that they are essentially bargaining away their own futures. “When you exchange your ballot for money, you are selling away the schools your children should attend, the hospitals that should save lives, and the jobs that should lift families out of poverty,” he cautioned.
The LP stalwart emphasized that the desperation of politicians to buy votes proves that the electorate still holds real influence. He urged Nigerians to resist such inducements and insist on politics driven by service and accountability.
“The real power does not lie in their money. It lies in your conscience, your courage, and your vote,” Obi declared.
Reiterating his long-standing call for clean elections, Obi appealed to citizens to collectively reject corrupt practices and elect leaders focused on nation-building.
“The choice is ours. We either keep selling our votes and remain trapped in poverty and bad governance, or we rise above temporary gain and reclaim the future of our nation. A New Nigeria is Possible,” he wrote.
