Obi Urges Nigerians to Shun Vote Buying, Labels Corrupt Politicians ‘Criminals in Disguise’
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a passionate appeal to Nigerian citizens to register to vote and resist vote buying, describing corrupt politicians as “criminals in disguise” who steal public funds meant for essential services.
In a statement released today, Obi emphasised the critical importance of voter participation in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, calling on eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as a weapon against poor governance.
“The future of our dear nation is in your hands. The greatest strength of democracy is in the voter’s card,” Obi declared. “Your PVC is the voice of the voiceless, the shield of the weak, and the weapon of the poor for a better life, against injustice and bad leadership.”
The former Anambra State governor delivered scathing criticism of politicians who engage in vote buying, arguing that such practices represent an investment strategy for future corruption rather than genuine public service.
“Those who buy votes are not offering you charity; they only invest in their own corruption,” Obi stated. “They buy votes so that they can buy their way into our treasury to steal public money. When they get into that office, they will loot the funds that should have been used to build schools, hospitals, or provide good jobs.”
Obi went further to characterise corrupt politicians in stark terms: “Such people are not leaders; they are criminals in disguise. They are no better than killers, armed robbers, and kidnappers, because they commit the same crime of destruction.”
The former presidential candidate also directed strong words toward citizens tempted to sell their votes, warning them about the long-term consequences of such decisions for their families and communities.
“To those who sell their votes, you are not just selling an election, you are selling the very opportunities that would have lifted you and your family out of poverty,” Obi cautioned. “You are selling the schools that your children should have attended, the hospitals that should save your loved ones, and the jobs that would have given you dignity and a better life.”
Obi’s message centred on the need for Nigerians to take collective action to protect the democratic process, emphasising that citizens hold the power to prevent electoral manipulation.
“I appeal to every Nigerian: Get Organised and Make Election Rigging Difficult. Go out, register, collect your PVC, and hold it firmly as your bridge to a new Nigeria,” he urged.
The Labour Party leader stressed that the very existence of vote buying proves the power of individual ballots: “Your vote counts; if it doesn’t, they would not be desperately buying that vote.”
In concluding his appeal, Obi outlined his vision for the type of leadership Nigeria needs and called for unity in the democratic process.
“Vote for leaders of competence, character, capacity, and compassion. Leaders who will put you first. Do not be intimidated, do not be deceived, and do not be bought,” he advised.
“Let us stand together and prove that Nigeria belongs to the people, not to those who trade our future for their selfish gain. Register to vote, because a new Nigeria starts with you,” Obi concluded.
The statement comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with concerns about electoral integrity and the influence of money in politics, with civic organizations and political leaders increasingly calling for reforms to strengthen democratic institutions.
