The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has issued a passionate appeal to Nigerians to get organized ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that vote-buying remains one of the biggest threats to the country’s democracy.
In a post on his verified X account on Monday, Obi urged citizens to register, collect, and safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards, describing them as the “bridge to a new Nigeria.” He emphasized that Nigerians must make election rigging difficult by turning out in large numbers to exercise their civic duty.
According to him, those who buy votes are not offering help but are “investing in corruption” with the intent of looting public resources once in office. He likened vote-buyers to “criminals in disguise” who, by their actions, deny Nigerians access to quality schools, healthcare, and decent jobs.
“To sell your vote is to sell the very opportunities that would have lifted you and your family out of poverty,” Obi said. “Those who buy your vote are only buying it to make a profit from the seat of power, not to serve you,” he warned.
He reminded Nigerians that their votes remain powerful, insisting that if they were not, politicians would not go to desperate lengths to purchase them. However, he called on citizens to rise, take responsibility, and vote for leaders of “competence, character, capacity, and compassion.”
“Do not be deceived or intimidated. Let us stand together and prove that Nigeria belongs to the people, not to those who trade our future for selfish gain. A new Nigeria starts with you,” he added.
