Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has sent a strong message to Nigerians, urging them to resist the temptation of vote buying ahead of future elections.
Obi described politicians who buy votes as “criminals in disguise”, warning that they steal from the people by looting funds meant for schools, hospitals, and jobs.
In his statement, Obi encouraged citizens to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and vote wisely.
He called the PVC the “weapon of the poor” and the “voice of the voiceless”, stressing that the future of Nigeria rests in the hands of ordinary voters.
He condemned vote buying as a deliberate investment in corruption. According to him, those who bribe voters do so only to gain access to public funds.
“They buy votes so they can buy their way into our treasury,” Obi said, warning that such leaders have no intention of serving the people.
Obi also cautioned Nigerians against selling their votes, describing it as selling the very opportunities that could transform their lives. “You are selling the hospitals that should save your loved ones and the jobs that could give you dignity,” he warned.
He called for unity among citizens to make election rigging difficult.
Obi urged Nigerians to “vote for leaders of competence, character, capacity, and compassion,” reminding them that their votes truly matter — otherwise, politicians would not be desperate to buy them.
In closing, Obi reaffirmed his vision for a new Nigeria built on honesty and service, urging citizens to stand firm and defend their democratic power. “Nigeria belongs to the people, not to those who trade our future for selfish gain,” he concluded.
