Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the House of Representatives for refusing to criminalise vote-buying at the level of party primaries, warning that the decision threatens Nigeria’s democratic future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, said many Nigerians had expected lawmakers to take a firm stance against what he described as the “cancer of vote-buying,” which continues to undermine the country’s electoral process.
According to him, the House’s decision amounts to shielding a flawed political system rather than protecting the nation’s future.
“By refusing to criminalise vote-buying at the foundational stage of party primaries, the House has chosen to protect a broken system rather than safeguard the nation’s future,” Obi wrote.
He stressed that credible elections cannot be built on corrupt foundations, insisting that any serious effort to curb vote-buying must start from party primaries where candidates are first selected.
“Any effort to stop vote-buying must begin at the primaries. Without addressing the problem at its roots, any measures taken later will lack the strength to endure,” he said.
The former governor warned that a democracy driven by inducement and bribery cannot deliver meaningful national development, describing a system where votes are traded as a “criminal marketplace” rather than a true democratic process.
Obi further expressed concern that the practice of vote-buying has spread beyond formal elections, noting that it is now evident in town unions, village associations, clubs and even student elections.
“Disturbingly, the culture of vote-buying has now trickled down to town unions, village unions, clubs and associations, as well as student elections, copying the conduct of fraudulent politicians,” he added.
He urged lawmakers and other political stakeholders to prioritise comprehensive electoral reforms ahead of 2027, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic future must not be compromised.
“A New Nigeria is possible, but only if we confront these practices boldly and insist that integrity begins at the very start of our electoral process,” Obi said.
