The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to reject any attempt to buy their votes, warning that such actions only fuel corruption, injustice, and poor governance.

 

In a statement released via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Obi described the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) as the most powerful tool in the hands of the people to demand accountability and shape the future of the nation.

 

“The voter’s card is the voice of the voiceless, the shield of the weak, and the weapon of the poor against injustice and bad leadership. The greatest strength of democracy is in the voter’s card,” Obi wrote.

 

He emphasized that politicians who engage in vote buying are not offering help, but making investments they hope to recover through the looting of public funds once in office.

 

“Those who buy votes are not leaders; they are criminals in disguise,” he warned.

 

Obi cautioned Nigerians, especially the youth, that selling their votes amounts to mortgaging their future and that of their children, leading to continued hardship, poor education, lack of healthcare, and joblessness.

 

He also encouraged citizens to take part in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), urging them to collect, protect, and use their PVCs wisely during elections.

 

“Our democracy is at stake. Let us stand together and prove that Nigeria belongs to the people, not to those who trade our future for selfish gain,” he added.

 

According to Obi, the power to change Nigeria lies with the people, and a New Nigeria is possible if voters make choices based on competence, character, capacity, and compassion.