Vote-Buying Politicians Are Criminals, They’re No Better Than Killers and Robbers’ Says Obi
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has appealed to Nigerians to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as a weapon against corrupt politicians and looters who, he said, have continued to cripple the nation.
In a statement issued on Monday and learnt by PulseNets, Mr Obi stressed that the PVC remains the strongest democratic tool for citizens to defend themselves from injustice and failed leadership.
“Today, I want to plead with every Nigerian, young and old, to heed this call to action. The future of our dear nation is in your hands. The greatest strength of democracy is in the voter’s card.
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. 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,” the former Anambra governor declared.
Obi Condemns Politicians Who Buy Votes
Mr Obi, PulseNets reported, did not mince words about politicians who attempt to buy their way into power by distributing cash and material inducements.
“Let us know this: 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,” Obi told PulseNets.
The former presidential candidate further cautioned citizens against selling their votes for immediate gains, warning that doing so mortgages their own future.
“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. Those who buy your vote are only buying it to make a profit from the seat of power, not to serve you,” Obi emphasised.
Also Read: Peter Obi Has Told Supporters Not to Vote For Labour Party
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy “is at stake,” and only a determined and organised citizenry can rescue the country by safeguarding their PVCs and voting wisely.
“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 cautioned.
Obi’s statement, PulseNets learnt, came just hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared results of by-elections held across 16 federal and state constituencies in 12 states. The process, particularly in Ogun, Kano, and Kaduna, was marred by widespread electoral malpractice, drawing sharp criticism from Nigerians and election observers.
