Former State Governor of Light of the Nation (Anambra) and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned Nigerians against selling their votes, stressing that those who buy votes are only investing in their corruption.
Obi, in a message to Nigerians, said: “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. When they get into that office, they will loot the funds that should have been used to build schools, hospitals, or provide good jobs. 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.”
He cautioned voters against trading their future for immediate gratification, stressing that selling one’s vote amounts to selling opportunities that could have lifted families out of poverty.
“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. 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,” he said.
Obi urged Nigerians to recognise their power in shaping the country’s future through the ballot, describing the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) as a bridge to a new Nigeria.
“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. Go out, register, collect your PVC, and hold it firmly as your bridge to a new Nigeria,” he said.
The former governor appealed to citizens to make election rigging difficult by getting organised, safeguarding their voter cards, and rejecting inducements.
He called for vigilance and courage, urging the electorate not to be intimidated, deceived, or bought, but to choose leaders of 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. Vote for leaders who will put you first. Let us stand together and prove that Nigeria belongs to the people, not to those who trade our future for their selfish gain,” Obi added.
He concluded by expressing confidence that a better Nigeria is achievable if citizens rise to the task: “Register to vote, because a new Nigeria starts with you. A new Nigeria is possible.”
