Peter Obi Links Vote Buying to Investing in Corruption

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to resist vote buying, warning that the practice fuels corruption and undermines democracy.

In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Obi emphasized the importance of voter participation and urged citizens to register, collect, and safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which he described as “the bridge to a new Nigeria.”

According to the former Anambra State governor, vote buyers are not acting in the public’s interest, but are instead investing in access to public funds for personal gain.

“Those who buy votes are not offering you charity; they only invest in their own corruption. They buy votes so that they can buy their way into our treasury to steal public money,” Obi wrote. “Such people are not leaders—they are criminals in disguise.”

He further warned that selling votes equates to mortgaging the nation’s future, as it deprives citizens of essential services like education, healthcare, and job opportunities.

Obi emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s democracy hinges on the electorate’s commitment to voting for leaders with “competence, character, capacity, and compassion.”

“Our democracy is at stake. That is why I urge every eligible Nigerian to register, collect, and safeguard your PVC—and when the time comes, use it wisely,” he added.